Tips on Advertising to College Students

Successfully advertising rental properties to college students requires more than just posting a listing; it demands a deep understanding of their preferences, lifestyles, and decision-making processes.

This guide will explore how you can attract college students to your rental property. Whether you're aiming to fill vacancies quickly or secure reliable tenants for the long term, these insights and strategies will help you navigate this market with confidence.

Understanding Your Target Audience

In the realm of property rentals, understanding your target audience can be a game-changer. As a landlord aiming to attract college students, it's crucial to grasp their unique needs, preferences, and lifestyles. So, let's dive into what a typical college student is looking for in a rental property.

Needs

Proximity to Campus: A key concern for student renters is residing near campus. The value of a brief commute to classes, libraries, and campus facilities is paramount for student renters.
Affordability: Given the financial constraints that many college students face, affordability is key. Properties that offer reasonable rents, or even better, include utilities in the rent, hold a distinct advantage over properties that don’t.
Flexible Lease Terms: Flexibility in lease terms is another significant need. Many students appreciate leases aligned with the academic year, allowing them to avoid unnecessary rent payments during summer breaks when they may not be in town.

Preferences

Furnished Properties: A fully furnished property is like a magnet for students. It spares them the hassle and expense of furniture shopping. Essentials like beds, desks, chairs, and kitchen appliances are particularly appreciated since these are high-ticket items.
Amenities: Amenities can be the cherry on top. Fast Wi-Fi, study spaces, laundry facilities, and secure bike storage are just a few examples of amenities that can attract students.
Roommates: The high cost of living alone prompts many students to prefer properties that can accommodate roommates. Properties with multiple bedrooms or shared living spaces are likely to be more popular.

Lifestyle

Study-Oriented: College students have a primary mission—to study. They value a quiet, conducive environment that supports their academic pursuits.

Social Life: While academics are important, college students also love to socialize. Properties situated near local hangouts, eateries, and entertainment spots can be a big draw.

Active Living: A large number of college students lead active lifestyles. Your property's proximity to parks, hiking trails, or gyms can give it an edge. If you have the space, it may be a good idea to add a gym to your property to attract tenants.

By understanding these needs, preferences, and lifestyle choices, you can tailor your advertising strategy to resonate with college students. This targeted approach will not only help you fill vacancies faster but also ensure a harmonious match between your property and its occupants.

Advertise Your Rental Property Online

In this digital age, where most information is consumed online, advertising your rental property on the Internet is not just an option; it's a necessity. This is especially true when targeting college students, who are digital natives and rely heavily on online platforms for their needs.

Here's how you can effectively advertise your rental property online:

Maximize Your Off-Campus Housing Subscription

To make the most of your off-campus subscription, respond promptly to email leads and provide thorough answers. Include high-quality photos and a detailed description, and highlight the features that make your property appealing to students. Keep your listing updated and research nearby listings to ensure your prices are reasonable for the area.

If you're considering listing on multiple platforms, Apartments.com also provides sections specifically dedicated to student housing.

Social Media Advertising

Never underestimate the power of social media to reach your target audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X can be highly effective in promoting your rental property. You can post pictures, write engaging posts, use hashtags relevant to your location or nearby university, and even run targeted ad campaigns to reach potential student renters.

Use SEO Techniques

If you have a website for your rental property, ensure it's optimized for search engines. Use keywords that students might use when searching for rentals, such as "student housing near [university name]" or "[university name] off-campus housing."

Virtual Tours

During the era of social distancing, virtual tours gained significant popularity. They allow potential tenants to get a feel for the property without physically being there. Offering a 360-degree virtual tour can give students a better understanding of the space and help them envision living there. A virtual tour can be especially helpful for students who are from out of state and cannot take an in-person tour of the rental property.

Add High-Quality Photos

Adding high-quality photos to your online rental listing can significantly increase the interest of potential student tenants. Pictures are often the first thing prospects see, and they can make or break their decision to inquire further. Ensure your photos are well-lit, clear, and showcase the best features of your property. Include images of common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and any amenities that might appeal to students. With photographs, student renters can better assess if your property meets their unique tastes and standards.

Craft a Compelling Property Description

Creating a compelling property description for your online rental listing is crucial to capturing the interest of potential student tenants. Your description should not only list the features of the property but also paint a vivid picture of what life could be like living there.

Start by highlighting the unique aspects of your rental, such as proximity to the university campus, public transportation, or local amenities that are attractive to students, like cafes, libraries, or fitness centers. Use descriptive language to evoke a sense of comfort and convenience, and emphasize any student-friendly facilities you offer, such as high-speed internet, study areas, or secure bike storage.

Remember, the goal of your description is to make students feel that your property is not just a place to stay but a home where they can thrive academically and socially.

By harnessing the power of the internet, you can reach a broader audience and increase the chances of finding the perfect college students for your rental property. Remember, online advertising is about making your property easily discoverable and showcasing it in a way that resonates with potential student renters.

Offer Incentives and Discounts

To make your rental property more appealing to college students and stand out from the competition, consider offering incentives and discounts. Strategies such as reduced rent for the first month, referral bonuses for tenants who bring in new renters, or discounts on utilities can significantly attract students looking for budget-friendly housing options. Competitive pricing is key in attracting this demographic, as most college students are financially conscious and actively seek out deals that offer the most value for their money.

Highlighting these special promotions or deals in your advertising can grab the attention of potential student tenants quickly. For instance, promoting a "first-month free" deal or a "refer a friend and get $100 off your rent" offer not only incentivizes students to choose your property but also encourages them to spread the word among friends and classmates. These incentives not only help fill vacancies more quickly but can also build a positive community atmosphere among the tenants, leading to longer tenancy periods and reduced turnover for you as a landlord. Remember, the key is to offer incentives that are both attractive to students and sustainable for your business model.

Respond Promptly and Professionally

Responding promptly and professionally to inquiries and showing requests is vital to securing potential student tenants for your rental property. Timely responses indicate your reliability and interest in the tenant, which can significantly influence their decision-making. Here are a few tips to ensure professionalism in all communications:

Address Inquiries Promptly: Respond to inquiries as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Acknowledge receipt of the message and provide a timeline for further action if needed.
Utilize Online Scheduling Tools: Leverage technology by using online scheduling tools for property showings. Tools like Calendly or Google Calendar can help organize and streamline the scheduling process, making it convenient for both you and the prospective renters.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your communications clear, concise, and free of jargon. This ensures that all parties fully understand the information being shared, reducing misunderstandings.
Maintain a Professional Tone: Always use a professional tone in your communications. Being courteous, respectful, and positive leaves a good impression on potential tenants and helps build a foundation for a respectful landlord-tenant relationship.

Incorporating these practices into your communication strategy not only enhances your professionalism but also aids in efficiently managing rental inquiries. This can lead to higher satisfaction among potential tenants and increase the likelihood of filling vacancies with responsible and respectful college students.

Ultimately, by understanding the needs of college students, maintaining professionalism, and embracing technological advancements, you can create a positive renting experience that attracts and retains tenants for the long term. With these strategies in place, you can unlock the full potential of their rental properties for catering to the college student demographic.