The days are getting shorter and the big box stores are all discounting their pens, notebooks and folders. That can only mean one thing – it’s just about time for millions of college students across the country to head back to school!

What does that mean for you? If your apartment community is near a college campus, late summer and early autumn can be a busy time of year. Are you looking for ways to attract more student renters to your community this school year? Read on for some helpful hints.  

Offer Flexible Leases
Many college students are at school eight or nine months of the year, then return home for the summer. With the high cost of school expenses, many students aren’t willing – or able -- to pay for three or four extra months of rent while their apartment sits vacant. So, consider offering shorter lease options to your student renters. Or, as an alternative, consider offering student renters the opportunity to sublease their unit during the summer.

Embrace Photos and Video
Many college students choose to attend a school that is far away from home. These student renters usually don’t have the luxury of touring dozens of apartments before choosing their next home. Some may even rent an apartment without setting foot on the property. Give these renters a virtual tour of your apartment community by providing high quality photos and video of your community on your website and ILS ads. Not only will you help renters narrow down their options, but you’ll also save time in the leasing office because you’ll know that the folks who call to schedule tours are truly interested in your community.

Highlight Your Student-Friendly Features
Is your apartment community within walking distance of campus? Do you offer free Wi-Fi? How about on-site recycling? These are features that will likely appeal to busy, budget-conscious student renters, so be sure to highlight them on your website and your ILS ads.

Hold Student-Centered Events
Organize social events in your community with students in mind. For example, organize a “study break social” the week of final exams. Offer free coffee, energy drinks and snacks to help your sleep-deprived student renters fuel up for finals.

Be Responsive
Most of today’s student renters probably can’t remember a time without the internet and cell phones. They’ve come to expect timely responses, and if they don’t get them, they’ll quickly lose interest and go on to their next option. That’s why it’s important to always return calls and emails from prospective renters as soon as possible.

What are you doing in your community to appeal to student renters?