Page 21 - StudyTravel Magazine April 2024 Issue

SPECIAL REPORT

LEVERAGING
1
TECHNOLOGY

While technology dependence can
raise challenges when it comes to
2 integration, many accommodation
providers are leveraging new
technology to allow them to
continuously improve their offerings.
Archit from Amber Students
champions the evolving use of
Photos: Resa (1), Hosts technology in the accommodation
International (2), industry, saying “Technology is
Australian Homestay significantly shaping the future of
Network (3) 3 student accommodation. Digital
solutions like virtual tours, online
booking platforms, and AI-driven
be open-minded to integrating supply whilst demand for international personalisation are improving the
into our multicultural society.” education is at its highest point ever.” search and selection process for
Continuing on this As well as the importance of international students.”
positive note, Harsha says that the finding a sense of community, there According to Carla from Liv Student,
future looks bright for homestay are many other factors that play a the demand for smart technology
accommodation after a difficult few large part in the decision-making to be integrated into student
years – especially with students process when international students accommodation is increasing, and
looking for a fully integrated study are selecting accommodation – from housing providers are using tech to
abroad experience. She explains, “Like sustainability to leisure facilities. help with security, sustainability,
a fashion trend, homestays are back and comfort. She notes, “The
and looks like 2024 will match pre- “Technology is integration of smart building solutions
pandemic levels.” significantly shaping for security, energy efficiency and
The Australian Homestay Network the future of student convenience has probably continued
(AHN) www.homestaynetwork.org accommodation” to grow, improving the overall student
confirms the increasing demand for living experience. In addition, the use
student-hosted accommodation. Michele Da Silva, Managing of digital platforms for reservations,
David Bycroft, Founder & Director Director, Britannia Student Services communication and community
says, “The Australian Homestay https://britanniastudents.com engagement may have become
Network (AHN) will place 15,000 elaborates, “One of the trends in more sophisticated, simplifying
international students into hosted student accommodation starts even administrative processes and
accommodation in 2024. These before the accommodation has been connecting residents.”
students come from most countries built. There is now an emphasis on Eleonora from Resa also
and Australia is already a multicultural sustainability and eco-friendly design emphasises the importance of
population. We communicate and train and the features it can bring to utilising technology to meet the digital
both hosts and students to ensure student accommodation. This covers generation of students halfway: “We
cultural integration.” energy efficiency in the building and have set to work to increase the
Like in other areas of student renewable sources of providing that virtual tours of rooms for all those
accommodation, the biggest issue energy. We also believe that there students who cannot make a face-to-
facing many homestay providers is a trend to increase the variety of face visit to our residences.”
is the struggle of supply to keep facilities on offer by providers of “Our aim is to continue increasing
up with demand. David adds, “The new student halls of residence. For the experiences to remain at the
main challenge is the student example, private dining rooms and forefront in a sector whose target
accommodation sector is going even swimming pools and saunas!” public has been born and has grown in
through an unprecedented lack of delilah@studytravel.network the era of digitalisation.”

18 STUDYTRAVEL MAGAZINE