Page 29 - StudyTravel Magazine July/August 2021 Issue

SPECIAl REPORT

Photo above: Londonist
Photo middle: Spotahome
Photos right: Britannia Student Services

of the first organisations to with providers in terms of pricing and The impact of Covid-19 on
publish guidance on Covid in commercial decisions, says María. students’ mental health prompted
the sector, says Harsha. “The Londonist, meanwhile, adapted GEC to focus its attention on social
Covid policy and guide has since its existing cancellation policy to engagements for students, albeit
been updated, adapted and reviewed better protect students and their virtual. “We were concerned about
by working with our partners and investment. “These guidelines allow the feelings of loneliness and lack of
accrediting bodies too.” students to either cancel entirely or social interaction that our students
Pre-empting the UK’s first lockdown modify their booking, which give both experienced due to the pandemic, so
back in March 2020, Britannia prepared students and parents the peace of we launched a number of community
and put into effect a comprehensive mind and confidence in booking with engagement initiatives, which
Covid Secure Policy to safeguard its Londonist,” says Umang. includes hosting regular virtual
on-site staff and students arriving or In addition, Londonist events and other exciting activities,”
staying at each of its accommodation implemented new software giving describes Luffy. Similarly, Londonist
sites, including homestays. “This agents and partners access to used its social media platforms to
policy, and detailed pre-arrival up-to-date information about promote special events to help keep
information sheets for all our clients, accommodation availability; created students connected. Physical health
ensured that everyone was aware of a series of virtual reality tours of was also pushed, with the provider
social distancing measures and self- its most popular residences and promoting the use of its gardens and
isolation protocols even before arrival introduced simple yet effective QR outdoor spaces for exercise.
at our accommodation,” says Michele. code technology in student rooms Inevitably, the pandemic has
Others used the time to evolve their to provide another means of contact affected working relationships. If
business model and/or introduce new during lockdown. “There are QR anything, though, says Michele,
services. For example, Spotahome codes in each room so that any the pandemic has strengthened
evolved its platform to handle questions, problems or concerns the relationship it has with agents
long-term bookings and developed students have they can reach our and schools, “as we are in frequent
a new virtual verification process team immediately, without the contact and are working together to
for properties it lists on its online student even needing to leave their weather the fall-out of the pandemic.”
platform. It also shared best practices room,” explains Umang. nicolahancox@studytravel.network

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