When families select housing choices for their college-bound youngsters, safety and security are among their top priorities.
It follows that it should come as no surprise that plans for security procedures in student housing buildings start as soon as architectural drawings are completed.
Student housing developers constantly assess how the many security solutions available may be tailored to particular projects and markets, just as market-rate apartment developers.
While there are some parallels between traditional rentals and student housing, the former offers unique problems that must be solved both during the building phase and after the facility has been put into operation.
Regardless of the project, it's important to remember that no system can ensure 100 percent security.
However, experience with student-specific housing in well-known university towns as well as with market-rate apartments in big cities has given the insight and experience needed to maximize safety without being overly intrusive.
The following are best practices to take into account when choosing security measures for student housing:
Know Your Market
The level of security measures, including cameras, access controls, and onsite security personnel, are always influenced by market factors.
We can create a tailored solution depending on the market and project area using our accumulated expertise and experience, along with data from internally generated research.
Every place is distinctive. Whether it's a luxury rental complex in the suburb, or a mixed-use residential estate, or a student housing development with many facilities, thorough research and continual review are essential before a property opens.
For student communities, particular rules must be put in place, especially in areas with higher foot traffic, to accommodate external pressures like sporting events and other university festivities.
During these periods, permanent technologies like cameras and coded entrances might be supplemented by extra lobby staff or security officers who would be stationed both within the building and in nearby parking lots.
Similar to this, there are additional factors to take into account when distinguishing commercial properties from those that should only be available to full-time residents in a mixed-use complex with a retail or hotel component.
Balance Security With Privacy
Student Living strives to constantly offer a safe environment without becoming overbearing.
While stylish entry control systems efficiently manage traffic flow without giving the neighborhood the appearance of a fortress, strategically positioned video cameras serve as a deterrent.
A 24-hour lobby attendant can occasionally be found in student and market-rate housing, giving residents and parents more security and peace of mind.
The electronic key fob, which was formerly a differentiator, is now typical in student housing and is increasingly becoming popular in neighborhoods where they are utilized for building, amenity, and unit access.
However, in the case of student housing, security is enhanced by giving each tenant a unique key fob and restricting access to specific beds within a residential unit.
Operators may keep an eye on communal spaces with technology that helps spot rule infractions via time-stamped video and critical fob access history, enhancing security for each tenant, particularly for those living with housemates.
Consider Your Budget
There is no scarcity of security options accessible to developers of student housing, but each has a price.
Developers should look to see if reputable alternatives accomplish the same goal at a more agreeable price range, even though a certain solution may satisfy the necessity.
In some instances, buying a package of services from a single provider may be less expensive than doing it separately. Developers that manage a variety of properties ought to search for ways to take advantage of economies of scale.
They might be able to save money while achieving uniformity by providing a specific tool or technology across several locations.
Although it's always best to stick to the side of security, it's crucial that developers refrain from going overboard.
Programming too many cameras would not only be expensive but also lead to a false sense of security, which could be dangerous in and of itself.
Prepare for the Unpredictable
Student housing operators and developers are building more robust policies for handling live threats to resident safety now more than ever.
The usage of social media and text messaging to reach citizens through their chosen channels is on the rise.
In the uncommon event of an active threat or disaster, these tools can also be utilized to disseminate real-time information and advance notification of safe shelter locations and evacuation routes.
Regular resident readiness drills and communication are essential to ensuring that residents are aware of what to do in various scenarios.
The importance of onsite staff education regarding regular security procedures and emergency response plans cannot be overstated.
Some student housing providers introduce a policy requiring each property to have monthly safety meetings as well as semi-annual emergency response drills for residents, in addition to training programs for property teams.
Even as technology continues to alter the scene of safety and security, planning, preparation, and expertise will always remain the cornerstones of any successful security strategy.
Utilizing a Video Intercom System for Your Student Housing
The installation of a video intercom system is the most outstanding technique to keep campus flats secure.
Additionally, video intercoms increase security and provide unrivaled convenience, boosting staff and student residents' daily lives.
Here are the top five ways that a video intercom system for dorms for students raises convenience and safety:
- Confirm visitors visually.
- Ensure that deliveries are straightforward and secure.
- Ensure that visitors and service providers have remote access.
- Access restrictions for increased security.
- Do some document trail.
Final Thoughts
You should consider using a dependable system for access control if you create, own, or oversee student housing.
The most convenient and safe way to control who has access to your apartment complex is with a student housing safety system.
Additionally, you should consider using a real estate task automation system. It may not be specifically designed for safety; however, it helps you focus on safety while it handles the other basic property management tasks.
Schedule a free call with us to learn more about the Booking Ninjas Property Management System.