Europe’s leading purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operator – Nido – has partnered with leading resident engagement and building management software provider – Spike Global. The new partnership launches a new smart app for residents across Nido’s portfolio.
Research – as well as feedback from residents – revealed that it was imperative to use technology to enhance the student experience and ensure the seamless operations and management of a PBSA building. Nido – launching at the beginning of the academic year – has become one of the first PBSA operators to provide its residents with an intuitive mobile app to manage their daily needs.
Acting as a ‘one stop shop’, the app provides a range of features including direct online communications with the residence team, viewing upcoming events, reservation of amenity spaces, management of deliveries and maintenance requests – as well as viewing brand partners, local guides and associated exclusive Nido promotions.
“As the one of the first PBSA operators to introduce this type of platform, we are pleased to offer this high-end product to our valued residents. The wellbeing of both residents and our onsite teams is our top priority, and allowing a safe method of communication whilst encouraging interaction is a great milestone for the company.”
Darren Gardner, COO, Nido
With online security posing one of the largest risks to students, the app has been designed to keep users safe and secure. In the event of a security breach or lost phone, the onsite management teams at each Nido property have the ability to ‘pause’ residents’ accounts until the issues have been resolved and cleared.
Following a year of uncertainty due to Covid-19, the app provides forums and real-time chat rooms. This safe online space allows residents to communicate with each other and become familiar with their new neighbours – an addition to the in-person interaction Nido facilitates.
Students can choose to attend events physically, online as well as communicate with the management team at the reception desk by direct messaging on the app. Different communication channels are available to Nido students based on their preferences.
Nido prides itself on putting resident mental and physical health as a key priority and the facilitation of communication – online or in-person – has been instrumental in the company’s operational success.
During the first two weeks of being live, the app has been downloaded by over 70% of Nido’s residents. Once downloaded, students can easily join groups and forums to meet each other and start building their community.
“We are delighted to be working with Nido and believe the app will help students find their feet – enabling them to meet other students in the building, as well as helping them to cope with all the practical aspects of moving away from home for the very first time. The app has been designed to be straightforward to use, so whatever worries they might have about the new term, managing their student accommodation won’t be one of them.”
Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO, Spike Global
Nido Student attracts students from over 100 different countries, across 150+ institutions, and currently has 5,000+ beds in operation across the UK, Germany and Ireland.
Its reputation as an insights-driven and customer focused business has led to a seamless expansion into Europe in the past two years. This growth will continue in 2022 – with a further pipeline of 3,000+ beds in Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Denmark.
