UK Student Accommodation has seen record levels of investment, providing Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in major cities with great locations, amenities and easy access to universities. In contrast, the sector is still developing across continental Europe but with higher education becoming a global business and international students expected to reach 7 million by 2020, Glide is well positioned to provide the next generation of fibre-fast broadband and Wi-Fi across Europe.
With new entrants looking to secure market share in Europe and with ambitions to differentiate their accommodation with enriched spaces, amazing learning environments and peace-of-mind for students away from home, Wi-Fi is often regarded as more important than the quality of the university course or the location of the residence.
In 2009, one of Europe’s premier Purpose Build Student Accommodation (PBSA) was opened in Amsterdam - The Student Hotel - with a Glide managed service designed to provide fast and reliable Wi-Fi, reduce cost and space requirements and future proof the building. The Student Hotel plans to have 41 properties in European cities by 2021 all enhanced with first class Wi-Fi from Glide.
Understanding how the UK model relates to emerging markets in Europe is crucial. From a strategic point of view every stakeholder agrees that fast reliable internet access is the keystone technology for resident experience. With more than 1,100 pieces of EU green legislation, European developers are ahead of the game in terms of how technology can create zero-carbon buildings and massive operational savings. This technology all relies on robust and resilient networking infrastructure and Wi-Fi.
“We are delighted to welcome Glide as a full partner in the European community of The Class of 2020,” said Jorick Beijer, Director, The Class of 2020. “As technology is a great shaper of the ultimate student experience, it makes perfect sense to me that Glide is now joining. I’m looking forward to jointly exploring how the next generation of smart infrastructures will shape the student halls of 2020.”
Tim Pilcher, CEO, Glide, said: “Glide has been serving its customers in Europe for 5 years. To continue to serve our ever-growing customer base our operation had to move into Europe. We are passionate about creating a great customer experience with our super-fast Wi-Fi and Smart enabled buildings. Working with our valued and ambitious PBSA developers and owners we are determined to drive down the cost of running these residences, future-proof the asset and provide an enhanced experience for the student.”