1. Planning Residential Accommodation Cycles - A move from a three-year to a two-year cycle will have an impact on what accommodation is provided and when those offers are made (typically Spring before a September start). A two-year cycle needs different planning and could have impact on actual supply.
2. Check Existing Outsourced Arrangements - Are They Sufficiently Flexible? If you outsource student accommodation would moving to a two-year degree enable you to utilise such accommodation on a more intensive 51 week cycle than say 35-40 weeks? Would a variation work legally and practically?
3. What About the Disappearing Vacation - Period and Vacation Lettings? Traditionally, vacation periods have been used by universities for vacation lettings generating more revenue. A more intensive use of accommodation could put pressure on that. Think of cost-benefit analysis and plan accordingly.
4. Hard and Soft FM - When Will You Do That? - If accommodation is being used more intensely, you still need to factor in your hard and soft FM cycles - and maybe revisit existing long term maintenance programmes and contracts. High quality accommodation is still a real pull for students so don’t always put repairs and redecoration on the back-burner.
5. A More Vibrant Year Round Campus? - There is a chance to create ever-more vibrant campuses given the current challenge in attracting good quality commercial businesses onto campus due to long vacation periods. This gives an opportunity to offer 12 month trading opportunities for retailers and restauranteurs on campus, thereby increading revenue.