Connectivity-first design underscores a growing trend in student housing properties: modern residents view digital reliability as essential as electricity or running water. For developers, delivering that expectation is no longer optional; it’s a strategic differentiator. This is why IoT and PropTech convergence create an almost immediate impact.
When it comes to today’s college living, progressive property developers recognize that technology isn’t an afterthought, but an asset. They are focused not just on resident satisfaction but on creating smarter buildings to increase NOI. With this strategy in mind, they can build a long-term competitive advantage by focusing on three key areas: Managed Wi-Fi, Security and Energy Management.
The Backbone of PropTech Convergence is Managed Wi-Fi
Managed Wi-Fi creates the secure infrastructure and reliable bandwidth needed to add IoT, such as smart locks, security systems, property management systems (PMS), secure connectivity, maintenance requests, smart HVAC and energy management. It’s where residents live, study and work, and by implementing this infrastructure, student housing properties can create a new way of living for students and operating for the property.
Terratron, the developer of the new U-Square student housing community in Mankato, MN, set a new benchmark for digital living with the installation of a future-ready managed Wi-Fi network. Recognizing that reliable connectivity is the number one amenity students demand and a critical backbone for PropTech convergence, Terratron implemented Nomadix’s secure, property-wide Wi-Fi solution (in collaboration with Allbridge) from the earliest stages of planning. The result: seamless digital experiences for all 215 residents who moved in this fall. Bulk authentication and immediate connectivity for every student made an immediate impact for this property.
The property said: “Students expect their housing to deliver more than just a place to live — it must also deliver exceptional digital connectivity,” said Preston Lougheed, Vice President of Operations at Terratron. “By investing in the best possible service, we’re not only exceeding resident expectations but also building long-term value for our properties.”
Prioritizing Safety and Security
According to the latest research from Parks Associates, approximately half of apartment residents report concerns about community safety and show interest in smart security amenities when searching for a new home. With both property-wide and in-unit security in mind, the most desired measures for renters include outdoor lighting, security cameras, controlled access to building and amenity areas, smart door locks for units, and security systems/personnel. Leveraging PropTech convergence to support resident safety will boost both property NOI and renter satisfaction.
Building in Efficiency with Energy Management
With electricity costs up 10% nationwide, and forecasts showing continued increases, multifamily properties are using smarter energy management to cut expenses and boost efficiency. Heating and cooling remain among the biggest cost burdens for residents, but smart thermostats and PropTech solutions are giving them more control over their utility usage and monthly bills.
For property owners and operators, the benefits are just as clear: studies from Parks Associates show that smart energy and water management technologies can reduce utility costs by nearly 20% and drive overall energy savings of up to 30% annually. Beyond savings, these solutions also help prevent costly disasters, such as frozen pipes in vacant units or during residents’ winter travels. This protects both property and profit while delivering a more sustainable, comfortable living environment.
Nomadix Managed Wi-Fi through our MDU Portal offers student housing properties:
- Personal Area Networks (PANs) for every student, ensuring privacy and secure connectivity.
- “Follow-me” roaming capability, delivering uninterrupted service throughout the community.
- Pre-provisioned bulk uploads for property management, so residents can connect to the network immediately upon move-in.
- Scalable backbone infrastructure, ready to support future smart building technologies and security integrations.
PropTech convergence is transforming multifamily living by cutting operational costs, preventing maintenance emergencies and creating preferred living spaces for residents for increased renewals. If you are interested in learning more about how Nomadix can bring connected experiences to life for your student housing property, feel free to book a meeting.
Sandy Jack is Vice President of Strategic Relations, Multifamily, Nomadix, an ASSA ABLOY company. With over a decade of experience in the multifamily industry, she is a passionate and trusted adviser, helping leverage connectivity and proptech solutions to help properties achieve their business goals.