Smart Technology in Student Housing

Almost daily, you can see the use of technologies, and one of the latest entries (a while ago, though) is the introduction of smart technologies in housing. Many people incorporate such automation in their homes to make their lives easier. In recent years, with automation taking over, many student housings and student accommodations have also started to add smart technologies to their properties, but how does this affect the entire market as a whole, and what are the trends? This is everything this blog will tell you about!

How was student housing before smart technologies?

With the increase of smart home technologies worldwide, student housing has lately picked up on this trend as well. Before these trends, accommodations were a lot more manual and not so student-friendly; the WiFi would not work properly, there were connectivity issues, security issues, and much more! These would usually cause a lot of stress to the students living there and the staff at the accommodation. To put it in layman's terms, it wasn't as simple as it would soon be after automation!

What are the trends in smart technologies in student housing?

There are many trends when it comes to smart home tech in student housing, and many of these smart technologies are already implemented in many normal homes. Now many accommodations have started to pick up on these trends and are implementing them. The various smart technologies include:

1. Smart locks and security systems

One of the main aspects which student housing has picked up from smart home tech is the implementation of smart locks and security systems. Gone are the days of a lock and key; here are the key fobs or RFID cards (the future is now, old man!). This makes it easier for many students since they can easily carry it without caring about a bunch of keys rattling around in their pocket! With security systems, smart technologies have helped a lot with the introduction of cameras and more! 

2. Video intercom

Another smart home tech recently applied by student housing is the introduction of video intercoms! It is a part of the security half of smart technology. It helps out visually confirming visitors and makes sure you are safe. It also helps you track the parcels left at your doorstep and if they were stolen (God forbid this). This smart home tech that is now being added to various student housing has made students' lives easier!

3. WiFi

One of the biggest issues that students used toface in the past was the WiFi and internet speed. This issue has plagued many students for a very long time! Now with the new wave of students (a.k.a Gen-Z)  who are constantly stuck on their phones and browsing the internet and need a constant flow of it. Student accommodations had to up their level to match this and maintain a constant network stream of internet so that no student faces this issue. Easy access to high-speed internet is a trend in smart home technology that is also now visible in student accommodations,

4. Smart thermostats

Another smart home tech that has been popping up in student housing is the usage of smart thermostats! Feeling too hot, use your phone and lower the temperature. You don't need to find the thermostat or the remote constantly; now, just connect your phone and use the thermostat with ease! This smart technology has been creating a revolution within the student housing industry!

5. Smart lighting

Modern students want their rooms to look vibrant and modern like them, which causes many issues in student accommodations since lighting is normally yellow or white! Nowadays, students want their room to have various colours and usually buy some led strips or colour-changing bulbs, and wish to be able to to control the lights with their phone. Many student accommodations have now picked up on this trend in smart technology and have started to incorporate smart lighting for the convenience of students.

While your house is getting some cool new gadgets, how about you also get some cool essential gadgets for students which makes your student housing experience more memorable.

What are the benefits of these smart technologies in student housing?

There are various benefits to all these student housing technologies that many are happy about, like

1. Convenience

One of the most basic benefits of these smart technologies is the convenience. Students can easily use these smart technologies with just a single app on their phones! You can control your lights and the thermostats with your phone!

2. Efficient

Students won't have to waste time going around finding remotes or switches to turn on the lights, switch on the AC, or use the thermostat! With the use of their phone, students can save some energy running around the place to find one remote!

3. Customisation

One of the best benefits of smart technologies is that they are customisable, especially when it comes to lighting. Students love colourful rooms and smart technology being integrated into lighting! Students can easily customise the lighting in their room to the colour and methodical blinking they want! 

4. Accessibility

Smart technology in student housing has improved the lives of many disabled students; with the use of home assistants like Amazon Echo, students can control the lighting or temperature in the room!

5. Connectivity

Students can connect different devices and systems with the many smart home technologies, creating a more integrated and seamless experience. They could control all the smart home tech in their room from one app itself! 

What are the concerns about these smart technologies in student housing?

With so many pros come many cons. The shadow to light, so let's get into the cons that students would face with the implementation of smart technologies in student housing!

1. Privacy Issues

Many smart home technology devices collect personal data, things we say, and so much more! In case of any security breach or attempt to hack any device can result in your personal data being leaked online!

2. Reliability

Any smart tech device can malfunction or fail and can cause a series of issues and potential safety risks! 

3. Dependence

Smart technology can cause students to depend on automation, become lazy and maybe even lose a few skills!

4. Security

You can connect this to privacy issues since a lot of smart tech devices are vulnerable to cyber-attacks which can compromise your personal data and physical safety! 

5. Compatibility

Smart home tech has one issue, which is compatibility. A few smart technology devices might not be compatible with your phone or some other smart home tech devices like home assistants and lights, which can cause a bit of a problem!

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What is the impact of smart technologies on the student housing industry?

Smart technology is rising, and all student housing needs to adapt to the smart home tech that the newer students need. This generation of students is hooked on their phones and is always trying to make things efficient, making smart technology necessary! This, in turn, makes it a race for all student accommodations since the one who adapts gets the students and revenue. With the constant evolution of student housing technologies, this race has become a rat race with the leader ever-changing!

That was all the trends that there have been in student housing. If you are unsure of how to find your perfect student housing, our ultimate guide for international student housing will help you! With smart technology in your room, how about you add technology to your fitness and make it a digital fitness session? To know more about this digital fitness, read our blog on how smart devices are transforming student's wellness.