Student Housing Business is the voice of the student housing industry.
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security deposit is necessary to lease one of their apartments. "Some of the components and nuances of the Asian market have been really tricky, but the pay off is huge," he says. According to Collard, Redstone also markets to international pro- gram advisors. "What students are looking for is easy," he says. "They need to set everything up online. The bulk of students want clear websites that show well the fea- tures via photo, as well as have the ability to accept online payment and conduct lease signings." For one property in Michigan, Redstone has set up an account on the Chinese version of Facebook, Renren, and has an employee post in Mandarin. Some of the challenges Redstone has faced with international stu- dents include the language bar- rier and a lack of understanding of American conventions. It's not uncommon for a Redstone employee to have to show a stu- dent how to make out a check to Redstone. The company will also make sure to receive payment for the entire lease term up front, to ensure there are no skip-outs on rent. Sending an international stu- dent to collections over unpaid rent is practically useless. United Realty usually hires a student liaison for its proper- ties, someone who has a connec- tion to the international depart- ment or is an international student themselves. United also creates program- ming meant to bring the stu- dents together, such as ethnic food potlucks, in order to boost resident happiness and encourage retention. According to Arnold of United Realty, "I've found international departments will work with you more than most, especially when students come in late to the game and they need a place to live." "It's about having those key words on your website that refect international students, getting your links on various pages in international departments," he says. "A lot of institutions want the private sector out but if you are persistent they will come around. International students have to move quick after orientation to fnd housing and the university will send them to us to ease the frustrations." These can be very lucrative times for student housing operators with the demand for international students wanting to study in the United States at an all-time high. Leasing up can be very simple if management companies follow some simple steps and use com- mon sense and an open mind. SHB Providing social amenities at student housing properties helps international students meet fellow residents and acclimate to the property. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MARCH/APRIL 2015 STUDENT HOUSING BUSINESS .COM 64