Flinders University students will have preferential access to student-focused city-based accommodation from next year, as a result of agreement secured with a leading manager of housing investments globally, Nuveen Real Estate, and its purpose built housing operating partner “The Switch”.
Strategically positioned on central North Terrace, The Switch is located some 300 metres from the Adelaide Railway Station and Festival Tower development, soon to be home to Flinders new city campus.
Flinders University Vice President Corporate Services Mark Gregory says the arrangement gives Flinders students a head start in a tight rental market.
“With our expansion onto North Terrace with Festival Tower, we know there will be increased demand for city-base accommodation for our students, especially those from regional SA, interstate and internationally.
“It’s no secret Adelaide has one of the most tightly held rental markets in the nation – supply is tight and that has flow on effects with affordability,” Mr Gregory says.
“The Switch features residential living for up to 347 individuals, and we have secured priority access for available beds to support Flinders students to take advantage of this student-focused facility.
“The nearby Adelaide Railway Station means students studying at our Bedford Park, Sturt and Tonsley locations are some 20 minutes from having the best of both worlds – combining exceptional campus experience with a city lifestyle.
“A world top 2% university, and named the leading university in South Australia for students experience, with students rating us best in state for skills development, learner engagement, teaching quality, student support and learning resources, we want to be able to offer more students the opportunity to fulfil their potential with a Flinders degree – but we know that having a place to live is a critical enabler of study” Mr Gregory says.
Vice President and Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Sebastian Raneskold says the prospect of strategically located accommodation close to Flinders’ city campus and rail connection to Bedford Park and Tonsley will be highly attractive to international students.
“For students from around the world wanting to come to Adelaide for a Flinders degree, having a place to live is a critical pre-requisite.
“Priority access to accommodation that is suited to their needs, affordable and brilliantly located will be a drawcard”, he says
“The flexible living options available through The Switch, with single living and co-living apartments, backed with student-focused in-house facilities and supports, align with Flinders’ student centred ethos and aim to ensue our students have the best of all worlds for study, living and socialising,” Mr Raneskold says.
Director of Housing for Nuveen Real Estate Asia Pacific Ben Taylor says the partnership demonstrates The Switch’s ability to create strategic, value enhancing partnerships with high quality universities.
“The partnership with Flinders University is a uniquely coordinated approach to offering Flinders’ students a high-quality accommodation solution as part of their enrolment to study, taking away the hassle of trying to find a well-priced, well-located, and high-quality home in a city that is interstate or on the other side of the world.
“Since the re-opening of Australia’s borders, we have seen, through enrolments, visa applications and arrivals as well as the high occupancy in our buildings, that the demand for Australia’s quality tertiary education offering remains strong and this continues to validate Nuveen’s long-term investment conviction on the Australian student accommodation sector,” Mr Taylor says.
The Switch Founding Partner Craig Oliver says he is delighted to be able to offer this market leading housing solution, which stands apart from other housing options in the city.
“Catering to a younger generation and offering far more than just a place to live, we are extremely excited about partnering with such a high-quality educational institution and being able to provide an innovative living experience on the doorstep of the new Flinders University city campus.”
“With international students returning to Australia and a tight Adelaide rental market, we expect continued strong demand for The Switch Adelaide Central, which offers vibrant community lifestyle and a range of opportunities and experiences that help young people connect and fulfill their potential,” Mr Oliver says.
Prospective Flinders student tenants can apply now for occupancy from 2023.
https://www.switchliving.com.au/adelaide-central/
