The student housing industry is getting an upgrade, and savvy new technology is turning the property search process on its head. The asset class once characterized by crowded common spaces, bunk beds and microwavable ramen is becoming much more luxurious, and property management companies are experimenting with creative ways to drive innovation across the industry.

Once upon a time, people had to travel to a property to take a tour. That is no longer the case. A virtual property tour experience is now entering the student housing market. Students interested in apartment tours can experience living options virtually by touring a property through a VR headset. One company leading this trend is design communications agency SONNY+ASH, which works with architects and interior designers to create VR tours for student housing developments. Potential residents can view a space from anywhere, navigating the property virtually and at their own pace. They are able to visualize the size of the rooms and the design elements of the space.

“Today’s students are part of a generation that is beginning to actively use VR technology,” SONNY+ASH CEO Sonny Sultani said. “They should embrace these virtual experiences when viewing potential properties, too.”

Virtual property tours appeal to students who do not live near campus during summer or winter breaks. Like any apartment search, time is of the essence, and viewing properties early is the best way to stay ahead of a competitive market. But traveling to a college town just to view a property that students may or may not like is often expensive and inefficient. Other students begin looking at apartments during the semester, but may not have the time to travel to and from a property. Virtual tours provide an interactive experience for students without the stress and cost of traveling.

For property managers, VR tours can serve as a valuable marketing tool for attracting tech-savvy students. VR tools can also help pre-lease buildings under construction.

As interest in VR continues to rise, SONNY+ASH is experimenting with new ways to improve the viewing experience. Prospective tenants can already view spaces from their phone or tablet, and 360-degree functionality lets them view the property from different perspectives. The company also recently introduced several interactive features that engage human senses. The sound and sights of a television playing, lobby music in the background, a fireplace running and an elevator bell ringing embody elements of the physical space.

“It’s very much like a walk-through animation except you’re not confined to a single path,” SONNY+ASH Director of Client Experience Mike Gajdorus said. “You can go wherever you want, you can look at whatever you want and you can have a conversation about any design element within the entire space.”

This is just the beginning of a larger trend shaping the commercial real estate industry. As architects and designers continue to pursue new avenues through which to market properties, VR is paving the way for the future of CRE.

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