How to attract international students as a property manager

International students represent a significant demographic in the student rental market with a lot of spending power. Tailoring your offerings and marketing strategies to meet their needs can significantly boost your occupancy rates, particularly with the January intake of students now arriving - many of whom are international. Here's how you can attract and retain this valuable tenant group.

Understand their unique needs

International students face challenges that domestic students may not, such as:

• Navigating a new culture
• Understanding local housing regulations
• Finding furnished accommodations
• Managing guarantor and deposit requirements

By addressing these concerns, you can make your properties more appealing.

Optimise your offerings to attract international students

1. Furnished apartments: Many international students arrive with limited belongings. Fully furnished units with all the essential furniture and kitchen appliances are highly desirable.
2. All-inclusive rent packages: Simplify the rental process by offering all-inclusive packages that cover utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance. This eliminates the hassle of setting up accounts for students unfamiliar with local systems.
3. Flexible lease terms: Consider accommodating varied academic schedules by offering short-term or semester-based leases.
4. Proximity to universities: Highlight properties located near campuses or with convenient transportation links. Accessibility is a top priority for students balancing study and social life.
5. Highlight amenities: International students typically have higher budgets for accommodation and higher standards as a result. Emphasise features that set your property apart like study spaces, high-speed internet, on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and other communal areas.

Provide outstanding customer service

1. Multilingual support: Try to employ bi-lingual staff or offer services in multiple languages to bridge communication gaps.
2. Move-in assistance: Help students transition smoothly by offering airport pickups, welcome kits, or guides to local services.
3. Cultural orientation: Provide resources to help students adapt, such as local maps, public transport guides, or information about nearby grocery stores.
4. Responsive communication: Be proactive and responsive to inquiries, especially during peak check-in and check-out seasons.

Prepare for the January intake

January is a key intake period for many international students. To capitalise on this:

• Ensure you have optimised your marketing strategies to promote visibility of your remaining beds. 
• Offer immediate availability to accommodate last-minute arrivals.
• Reach out to agents and agencies specialising in international student placement.
• Promote any discounts or move-in specials tailored to January arrivals.

Build long-term relationships

Satisfied international students often refer friends or family to trusted property managers. By offering exceptional service and understanding their unique needs, you can establish a reputation that drives future demand.

Get more advice on letting to international students 

International students represent a valuable segment of the rental market, particularly during key intake periods like January. By optimising your offerings, tailoring your marketing strategies, and providing exceptional service, you can position your properties as the top choice for this growing demographic. 



Want to find out more? Check out our guide to renting to international students.