Today’s students live in the fast lane — from streaming high-definition content, gaming in real-time, to attending remote classes at the click of a button. The pace of their online world is relentless, and their expectations for connectivity are higher than ever. In a world where instant access is everything, slow or unreliable internet just doesn’t cut it.
University accommodation providers must ask themselves:
are you giving your students the network they need to thrive?
The digital-first generation:
always connected, always moving
Today’s students have grown up surrounded by lightning-fast connections, intuitive technology, and a wealth of on-demand content. Whether it’s tuning into a lecture, downloading a research paper, or simply streaming a Netflix show after a long day, they demand instantaneous access. Here’s how the modern student’s day might look:
- 8:00 am: Video calls for group projects or study sessions.
- 10:00 am: Live streaming lectures or attending remote classes on multiple devices.
- 12:00 pm: Social media scrolls, video calls with friends, and messaging apps buzzing continuously.
- 4:00 pm: Gaming marathons that rely on split-second responses with zero lag.
- 8:00 pm: Streaming high-definition series and movies on Netflix, YouTube, or Twitch.
Across all these activities, there’s a common expectation: the network will simply work.
No buffering. No dropouts. Just seamless, uninterrupted connectivity.
The cost of slow and unreliable connections
When students’ connectivity needs aren’t met, frustration sets in. They expect fast, reliable internet 24/7. Anything less, and they’ll quickly voice their dissatisfaction — whether through negative reviews, poor accommodation ratings, or simply choosing to live elsewhere next year.
Slow speeds, fast complaints: A student watching a 4K film on Netflix requires at least 25 Mbps to stream smoothly. Add in a roommate live-streaming a game or attending an online seminar, and bandwidth demands escalate fast. Without a robust network, the result is slow, lagging connections that leave students frustrated and disengaged.
Gaming needs low latency: Students who game online — around 70% of them, according to industry surveys — need not only fast speeds but also low latency. A slow connection can ruin their gaming experience, resulting in lag that gets them kicked from games or puts them at a disadvantage in competitive play.
Unreliable networks = missed opportunities: With hybrid learning on the rise, many students now attend classes and submit assignments online. When your network isn’t up to the task, students may miss crucial parts of a lecture, struggle with video conferencing, or fail to upload coursework on time. These are frustrations that quickly pile up — and students won’t hesitate to seek better living arrangements if your network can’t keep up.
The smooth, outsourced solution: connectivity without compromise
There’s a simple solution to meeting today’s student connectivity expectations: outsourcing your ResNet to an expert provider. Unlike in-house managed networks, outsourced solutions are designed to handle the heavy demands of student life, from gaming and streaming to academic work and everything in between.
Here’s how an outsourced network solution from Glide can transform the student experience:
Speed on demand - Glide networks are built for peak performance, offering ultra-fast speeds that students expect, even during the busiest times of the day. No more buffering during lectures, no lag during gaming, just seamless high-speed connectivity.
Bandwidth that scales - With professionally managed networks, you never have to worry about outgrowing your capacity. Our systems automatically scale to handle spikes in usage, ensuring students always have the bandwidth they need, whether it’s exam season or the weekend rush for online entertainment.
Proactive management for minimal disruption - Our teams work around the clock to monitor and maintain your network, resolving issues before students even notice them. The result? Near-zero downtime and a smooth, uninterrupted online experience.
Future-proofed infrastructure - Student tech habits evolve quickly. From virtual reality learning environments to cloud-based assignments, the future of student living demands a network that can adapt. Our future-proofed infrastructure is designed to grow and evolve alongside your students’ needs, ensuring your accommodation stays competitive.
Delivering what students expect
It’s clear: the modern student expects their accommodation to provide more than just a roof over their heads — they expect world-class connectivity. A smooth, fast, and reliable network is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. As the competition for student accommodation heats up, offering a superior online experience can make all the difference.
When you choose to outsource your ResNet with Glide, you’re not just giving your students a network. You’re giving them an experience that supports their academic success, their social life, and their personal interests.
Give your students what they expect
It’s time to deliver the network that moves as fast as your students.
Contact us today to learn more about how our outsourced ResNet solutions can elevate your accommodation and provide students with the connectivity they deserve.
