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CAMPUS SERVICES | ASR A | 39
By now those of us in Accommodation Services and Residences will have completed our move-in weekends… Phew, thank goodness that’s done with! We have each seen hundreds and thousands of new residents move into our buildings and begin the next chapter of their lives. However, in the 21st century that moment they walk into the building and get their keys is not the first impression of us in Residences – that first impression was formed a long time ago. It goes back to when they were first researching
their University of choice and they clicked on the link to Accommodation. I firmly believe that Accommodation can play a factor in the choice of institution. It goes without saying reputation, rankings and path of study are the most important reason why people choose, but a good Accommodation Services website and portfolio enhances the university and can be seen as a pro when making that final choice. A good detailed website, with pictures (lots of them), prices and detailed information on how close to campus, where is the nearest supermarket, helps to form that good first impression. We then have the open day stage where potential
residents visit accommodation: Is it clean? Is it tidy? Do you have a range of rooms to show and a happy, positive student guide? Many potential residents at this stage may remove an institution from its choice if the accommodation is not up to scratch or has not met their initial expectations or ideals. The next step in forming impressions will come
in our communication with future residents. This is the process of application and starts with your Accommodation and Residences guides that go out to students. It is important all information is clear and concise; that your accommodation guarantee is clear and cannot be misinterpreted and that the application is easy to submit. All this has to be online as that is the world and environment the modern student now understands. Then we get to the offer stage, we all know that not
FIRST IMPRESSI O N S
In this month’s ASRA article Lee Fellows, the association's IT and Communications Officer, looks at first impressions
everyone can get their first choice of accommodation; this is a reality but it can be managed. At this stage it is important to have online and social media groups all set up so once an offer is received they can automatically go somewhere and join what will be their new community but beforehand in cyberspace. It can show many that they are not alone, that other people are nervous about moving, and for some they can rant about not geting their first choice and will realise they are not the only ones. If the institution facilitates these pre communities, you can monitor them, gage what activities and events will be required on arrival and be safe in the knowledge you are already promoting the notion of community. You can engage with residents beforehand, post teaser pictures, post countdowns to arrivals and build up the excitement. Finally, we get to arrival day and the resident finds
out if their first impression of us was correct! I hope all colleagues in our sector had a good arrivals weekend and that we all have happy residents with good first impressions. UBB
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