Student Housing Insight

🎙️Episode Summary
How much do students actually pay for rent, and why does that number often differ from what operators think they're charging? In this episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, host Wesley Deese sits down with Elijah Wang-Chen, a finance student at the University of Texas at Austin and creator of RateMyRentUT, a student-built platform that brings unprecedented transparency to off-campus housing costs. Elijah shares how his own frustrating apartment search inspired him to create a crowdsourced database where students anonymously compare rents, concessions, utilities, parking costs, and overall housing experiences.
The conversation explores what student housing operators can learn from student-generated data, how pricing transparency influences leasing decisions, and why seemingly small issues like elevator reliability can have a major impact on resident satisfaction. Wes and Elijah also discuss the growing role of social media, AI-powered no-code development, and student-led innovation in shaping the future of student housing technology. Whether you're an owner, operator, marketer, or campus housing professional, this episode offers valuable insight into how today's students evaluate value, fairness, and the overall resident experience.
 
⏱️Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction and Today's Student Housing Challenge
00:03:00 Why Students and Operators Define Rent Differently
00:04:02 Meet Elijah Wang-Chen and the Story Behind Rate My Rent UT
00:06:02 Why Student Rent Transparency Matters More Than Ever
00:08:31 Growing Pressure for Pricing Transparency in Student Housing
00:10:03 Viral Street Interviews Reveal How Students Think About Rent
00:12:14 The Personal Housing Frustration That Sparked Rate My Rent
00:14:05 Discovering They Overpaid and Building a Better Solution
00:15:07 Using Viral Social Media to Collect Student Housing Data
00:17:25 How Rate My Rent UT Lets Students Compare Rent
00:20:52 Why Students Feel They Didn't Get a Good Deal
00:22:19 What Student Housing Data Reveals About Rent Trends
00:26:05 The Biggest Complaints Students Have About Their Apartments
00:28:02 Why Transparency Matters More Than Public Reviews
00:30:06 Student-Led Innovation Is Reshaping Housing Technology
00:31:39 Building the Platform with AI-Powered No-Code Tools
00:32:59 Expanding Rate My Rent Beyond the University of Texas
00:34:24 The Future of Student Housing Transparency
00:35:37 Final Takeaways and Closing Remarks
 
🤝Sponsor Spotlight:  Opiniion | AI-Visibility
As AI increasingly influences where prospective residents search for housing, Opiniion helps student housing operators stay visible where it matters most. Their AI Visibility platform shows how communities appear across leading AI platforms and provides a personalized action plan to improve discoverability, reputation, and online presence. In addition, Opiniion offers reputation management tools and Social Pro to simplify portfolio-wide social media management.
Learn more: https://opiniion.com/platform/ai-visi...
 
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:
SHI Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com...
ShopTalk.Info: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Rate My Rent UT: https://ratemyrentut.com
Rate My Rent Instagram:   / ratemy.rent  
The Daily Texan Article: https://thedailytexan.com/2026/05/01/...

🎙️Episode Summary
At OPTECH, the student housing industry's premier technology conference, host Wesley Deese and Tyler Holmes of PeakMade Real Estate discussed the practical innovations reshaping property operations. A major focus of their conversation was the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence—specifically the shift toward agentic AI. Rather than simply generating content, these advanced AI tools can now automate complex operational tasks and support centralized leasing teams, ultimately freeing onsite staff to focus entirely on delivering exceptional resident experiences.
Beyond the impressive demonstrations of robotics and emerging tech, Holmes emphasized that the conference's true value lies in peer collaboration and evaluating real-world use cases. He noted that successful technology adoption comes from exchanging actionable insights with fellow operators, rather than just purchasing the newest software. By learning from one another, organizations can implement proven solutions that drive operational efficiency, generate higher-quality leads, boost renewals, and elevate the overall resident experience.
⏱️Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the OPTECH interview series and overview of the conference's importance to the student housing industry.
00:00:18 - Sponsor message featuring Allegion's Resident Key in Wallet mobile access solution.
00:01:05 - Wes Deese welcomes Tyler Holmes of PeakMade Real Estate and asks for his overall impressions of OPTECH.
00:01:25 - Tyler explains why OPTECH is valuable for learning directly from fellow operators and understanding practical technology implementation.
00:02:00 - Discussion on moving beyond product demonstrations to real-world use cases and implementation strategies.
00:02:30 - Tyler identifies artificial intelligence as the conference's biggest trend and discusses AI-powered centralization in marketing and leasing.
00:03:05 - Conversation shifts to agentic AI and how automation can eliminate repetitive operational work while improving the resident experience.
00:03:45 - Final reflections on robotics, AI innovation, operational efficiency, lead quality, and resident satisfaction.
00:04:00 - Closing remarks and conclusion of the interview.
 
 
🤝Sponsor Spotlight:
Allegion’s Campus-to-Community Student Living solution helps bridge the gap between on-campus and off-campus student living by allowing students to use a singular mobile credential experience for seamless property access. The solution is designed to improve the resident experience while also reducing lockouts, improving turnover efficiency, and supporting stronger operational performance for property teams.Learn more about Allegion and the Campus-to-Community Student Living solution here:https://lp.allegion.com/student-housing.html

🎙️Episode Summary
In this episode of the SHI News Wrap up, Host Wes Deese and Co-host Gretta Dare explores the biggest developments shaping the student housing industry, including The Scion Group's acquisition of Student Quarters, continued market consolidation, major public-private partnership (P3) projects, new development activity, and significant investment transactions. Hosts Wes Deese and Gretta Dare examine the strategic implications of these announcements while offering thoughtful commentary on leadership, organizational change, and the future direction of the industry.
The episode also covers important legislative updates surrounding the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Build-to-Rent policy changes, Entrata's IPO filing, and broader market trends affecting owners, operators, and investors. From technology and public market transparency to housing affordability and operational strategy, this month's news roundup provides valuable context and actionable insights for professionals looking to stay informed on the latest developments in student housing.
 
⏱️Timestamps
00:01:14 Student Housing Insight Introduction
00:03:00 June 2026 News Wrap-Up Begins
00:03:55 Preview of Sly Brandon Interview and Nashville Recording
00:08:07 Major Industry Acquisition Discussion Begins
00:12:40 Interface Panel: Lessons from Student Housing Mergers
00:19:25 The Scion Group Acquires Student Quarters
00:30:25 How Consolidation Creates Operational and Insurance Advantages
00:35:05 Employee Transition and Integration Challenges
00:39:15 Is Scion Preparing for an IPO?
00:43:40 Maslow's Campus Communities Wins University of Washington Tacoma P3
00:45:45 Core Spaces Announces 3,500-Bed University of Illinois Expansion
00:48:45 New Mountain Capital Investment in Asset Living
00:50:40 Housing Legislation and Build-to-Rent Policy Update
00:57:10 Entrata Files for an IPO 01:00:35 What Going Public Could Mean for Entrata Customers
01:10:45 AI Surveillance Cameras Raise Privacy Questions on College Campuses
01:12:11 Closing Remarks
 
🤝Sponsor Spotlight: Allegion’s Campus-to-Community Student Living solution helps bridge the gap between on-campus and off-campus student living by allowing students to use a singular mobile credential experience for seamless property access. The solution is designed to improve the resident experience while also reducing lockouts, improving turnover efficiency, and supporting stronger operational performance for property teams.
Learn more about Allegion and the Campus-to-Community Student Living solution here: https://lp.allegion.com/student-housing.html
 
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode
ShopTalk: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Scion Group's Acquisition of Student Quarter/Industry Consolidation in Student Housing:: https://therealdeal.com/national/2026/06/11/scion-group-makes-1-5b-student-housing-bet/
Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Employees: https://therealdeal.com/national/2026/06/11/scion-group-makes-1-5b-student-housing-bet
Core Spaces' 3,500-Bed Expansion Near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/06/02/maslows-campus-communities-uw-tacoma-housing.html?__cf_chl_f_tk=hcDXtaA5bvwupodjYrHtYVJr8zdJA.WfCLZ.5LW4lVw-1783023755-1.0.1.1-yl6GcZslH41H48fQPqA0uqnw3sr9NbIy4sk.lOHzBEg
New Mountain Capital's Acquisition of Asset Living
https://news.studenthousingdaily.com/p/june-11-2026-the-scion-group-to-acquire-student-quarters
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=411172
Build-to-Rent(BTR) Legislation and Its Impact on Student Housing: https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/senate-passes-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-now-across-the-finish-line
Luxury Student Housing Reshapes College Towns:
https://finance-commerce.com/2026/06/luxury-student-housing-college-town-affordability/
 

🎙️Episode Summary:
Recorded live from the OPTECH conference floor, host Wes Deese sits down with Scott Manning, SVP of Operations at Article Student Living, to discuss his key takeaways from this year's conference. With more than 23 years of experience in student housing and nearly a decade at Article Student Living, Scott shares how OPTECH provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate vendors, explore emerging technologies, and support the company's ongoing RFP process.
The conversation covers the growing role of AI, virtual tours, and technology integrations across property operations, as well as the importance of maintaining strong vendor partnerships. Scott also discusses an unexpected operational challenge involving pest management and explains how even niche service providers are increasingly leveraging technology to improve efficiency and integration. The episode concludes with reflections on the relationships and industry connections that continue to make OPTECH a meaningful event year after year.
 
⏱️Episode Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:20 – Scott Manning's Background
00:00:45 – Initial OPTECH Takeaways
00:01:00 – Vendor Evaluation & RFP Process
00:01:35 – Technologies Under Review
00:01:55 – Looking Beyond Traditional PropTech
00:02:10 – Pest Management Technology & Integration
00:02:40 – Surprises and Industry Reflections
00:03:00 – The Networking Value of OPTECH
00:03:25 – Closing Remarks
 
🤝Sponsor Spotlight:
Allegion’s Campus-to-Community Student Living solution helps bridge the gap between on-campus and off-campus student living by allowing students to use a singular mobile credential experience for seamless property access. The solution is designed to improve the resident experience while also reducing lockouts, improving turnover efficiency, and supporting stronger operational performance for property teams. Learn more about Allegion and the Campus-to-Community Student Living solution here:
https://lp.allegion.com/student-housing.html
 
🔗Sources & References Mentioned:
2026 OPTECH
https://rettc.org/events/optech-2026
Student Housing Insight Events Page
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
 

🎙️Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wes Deese brings together three marketing experts in a webinar style discussion to tackle what he calls "The New Marketing Playbook" — a forward-looking discussion on how the student housing industry must adapt to AI-driven search, generative engine optimization (GEO), and a rapidly evolving social media landscape. The panel explores how AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are changing the way students and parents research housing, and why the vast majority of apartment brands are currently invisible in these searches. Guests share practical, zero-budget strategies — from building a Reddit presence and leveraging university journalism programs for earned media backlinks, to creating lifestyle-driven social content and establishing ownable content series. The conversation also touches on the emerging concept of "search everywhere optimization," where TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Reddit all function as search engines that operators need to show up on.
 
⏱️Time Stamps:
00:00:00 — Welcome & Introduction
00:01:00 — Housekeeping & Webinar Format
00:02:00 — Upcoming Events & Industry Announcements
00:07:00 — Panel Introductions
00:09:00 — Are Students Actually Finding Properties Through AI? (Poll + Discussion)
00:14:00 — Defining SEO vs. GEO vs. AI Search
00:16:00 — AI Visibility Tools & GEO Audits
00:20:00 — Reddit as a Search & GEO Platform
00:28:00 — "Search Everywhere Optimization" & Social Content Strategy
00:34:00 — Content Formats, Longevity & YouTube Shorts
00:38:00 — Who Will Win the AI Search Race? (Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity)
00:40:00 — Earned Media & Backlinks for AI Visibility
00:45:00 — Pinterest & Other Platforms (Audience Q&A)
00:47:00 — Monthly Checklist for Site Managers & AI Content Prompting Tip
00:51:00 — Zero-Budget GEO Strategy Anyone Can Execute Tomorrow
00:53:00 — Predictions: Where Is AI Marketing Headed in the Next 12 Months
 
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:
SHI Events Page:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
ShopTalk Website:
https://www.shoptalk.info/
10X Digital:
https://10xdigitalinc.com/
Holly Rollins’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyrollins/
Student Quarters: https://livesq.com/
Misty William’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyywilliams/
Reddit Marketing Playbook for Students by Misty Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mistyywilliams_how-reddit-increases-ai-visibility-in-student-ugcPost-7470870736165875712-y7xW/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADcXRUBXY6zO9_kkgWQjKBgjw7DgmoHrPc
Studio + Commerce:
https://www.studioandcommerce.com/commerce
Ross Laurence’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-laurence/
 

🎙️Episode Summary:
In this episode Host Wes Deese leads a panel of three student housing experts discussing strategies for attracting, managing, and retaining student residents — especially first-time renters. The conversation centers on the 19–21-year-old demographic, described as "adults in training with selective competence," and what that means for property management. Topics include proactive communication, move-in day best practices, international student retention, early renewal ordinances, resetting standards after management takeovers, and pitching amenity investments to ownership groups. The episode blends real-world examples with actionable tactics from operators across portfolio sizes.
 
⏱️Time Stamps:
00:00:00 — Introduction & Welcome
00:05:00 — Upcoming Events & Industry Calendar
00:05:50 — Sponsor Spotlight: With Me (Print With Me & Sip With Me)
00:10:50 — Setting the Stage: Who Actually Lives in Student Housing?
00:18:10 — Communication Touch points & Reducing Resident Anxiety
00:28:00 — Staff Training & Internal Communication Standards
00:28:50 — Early Renewal Ordinances — Navigating the Legal Landscape
00:33:15 — Attracting & Retaining International Students
00:40:40 — Move-In Day as the Foundation of the Resident Relationship
00:47:45 — Resetting Standards After a Management Takeover
00:53:25 — Amenity Strategy — Aligning Owner Vision with Resident Needs
00:57:20 — Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
 
🤝Sponsor Spotlight:
This episode is proudly sponsored by With Me, the leading provider of fully managed, tech-enabled printing and coffee amenity solutions for multifamily and student housing communities. With Me operates two products: Print With Me, which provides residents and staff with reliable, always-stocked printers, and Sip With Me, a bean-to-cup coffee solution sourced from craft roasters that delivers a high-quality café-style experience right in your community’s common areas.
Learn more and get in touch at https://go.withme.com/student-housing
 
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:
SHI Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
ShopTalk: https://www.shoptalk.info
Abby Jarvela's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-jarvela-605682a/
Zach Bishop's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-bishop-a7194b1b
Sydney Everett's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-p-everett