The Three-Week War: Surviving Student Housing Turn
The Three-Week War: Surviving Student Housing Turn
The academic calendar dictates a rhythm for many industries, and few feel its pulse as intensely as student housing. For those in the trenches, the annual “turn” is a three-week marathon that feels more like a grueling war.
Imagine a city that suddenly empties out, leaving behind a trail of chaos. That’s essentially what happens at the properties. In a matter of days, thousands of students vacate, leaving behind a mix of pristine units and war zones. And the mission? To transform these spaces from lived-in to luxurious in record time.
The clock starts ticking the moment the last student moves out. The teams—a crew of cleaners, painters, carpenters, and maintenance wizards—gear up for battle. It’s a frenzied ballet of activity. Carpets are ripped up, walls are scrubbed, and appliances are replaced. The symphony of power drills, vacuum cleaners, and the occasional expletive fills the air.
It’s not just about physical labor, though. There’s a complex logistical operation happening behind the scenes. Coordinating hundreds of work orders, scheduling inspections, managing supplier relationships—it’s a juggling act that would make a circus performer blush. Every day brings new challenges: unexpected damages, supply chain issues, and the ever-present threat of deadlines looming.
The pressure is immense. You’re not just turning apartments; you’re creating homes for a new generation of students. Each unit is a canvas, and you’re the artist under a tight deadline. The stakes are high. A single missed detail or a delayed repair can snowball into a cascade of problems.
Sleep becomes a luxury, and meals are often snatched on the go. But amidst the chaos, a strange camaraderie develops. We’re all in this together, united by a common goal. Shared laughter, stories, and even the occasional commiseration help lighten the load.
The final week is a blur of activity. Every unit is inspected, every lightbulb tested, every surface wiped down. The place is transformed. It’s a bittersweet moment when the last apartment is deemed ready. A sense of accomplishment washes over you, but it’s quickly replaced by the knowledge that this is just a pause. In a matter of days, the cycle will begin anew.
The student housing turn is more than just a job. It’s a test of endurance, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. It’s a crash course in logistics and project management. And most importantly, it’s a reminder of the constant evolution of our industry.
As the dust settles and you catch your breath, you know that the calm before the storm is temporary. The next academic year is already on the horizon, and with it, a new set of challenges and rewards. Until then, savor the quiet moments, recharge, and prepare for the next battle.
About BANYAN
BANYAN founded in 2007, is a leader in utility expense management and resident billing services. We are dedicated to providing a sustainable and cost-effective environment through awareness and conservation to help you increase your NOI and achieve your green energy initiatives. Our focus is providing customized utility solutions for our clients and their portfolio of communities in the US and Canada. Our innovative solutions include property management software integration, resident payment processing, in-house collections department, utility expense management, vacant cost recovery, regulatory support and submeter consulting. BANYAN has been on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies six times, including 2019.