Student Roost, the UK’s third largest provider of purpose-built student accommodation, has launched a new resident app, in conjunction with Kinetic, which enables residents to rebook their room, access 24/7 wellbeing support, report maintenance issues and create meaningful connections with their neighbours in an instant.
The app was initially trialled at properties in Durham and Bournemouth and, following its success, has been launched across all 50-plus properties comprising more than 23,000 beds.
When trialled at Student Roost’s Home Park property in Bournemouth, 70% of residents downloaded and engaged with the app ahead of its official release across the portfolio.
The app creates a seamless platform for students to re-book rooms for the 2025/26 academic year, pay rent, manage maintenance requests, and access support from property management teams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The app’s chat feature offers themed groups where residents can connect with their neighbours, access student discounts, explore job opportunities and discover the local nightlife. At Hillfort House in Brighton, for example, 87% of registered residents use the chat functionality to stay up to date with events, underlining the demand for digital support in establishing in-person connections.
Additionally, the app enables residents to connect over shared hobbies and interests, with data showing high engagement in topics like film, art, music, gaming and food and drink.
Ashling Fox, Managing Director at Student Roost, said: “Today’s Gen-Z students are digital natives and expect an ‘always on’ experience at their fingertips. The launch of the Student Roost app, which has been developed by Kinetic, marks a significant step in our mission to digitalise the student living experience and empower residents to customise their experience to suit their needs and preferences.
“We know that student life can be lonely and challenging at times, so the app has been designed to enhance the real-life connections and communities at our properties, not replace them, while also making the transition to university seamless.”
Rachel Cartwright, Operational Excellence Manager at Student Roost, said: “The Student Roost app puts the student living experience in the palm of our residents’ hands. It is a space which enables current residents to connect safely with their neighbours, access wellbeing support and form discussions based on mutual likes. The app helps to create a more open-minded and supportive student community. Throughout the academic year, we will continuously update the app and release new features to enhance its usability and functionality.”
Clare Ody, Head of PBSA Operations at Kinetic, added: “From our initial conversations with the Student Roost team, we were excited about the potential impact of the app on their residents’ experience. Designed specifically for Gen-Z, the app enriches the student experience by fostering connections among like-minded individuals and supporting student wellbeing. It’s fantastic to see such high levels of user engagement so early in the academic year and to hear how the app is helping students interact with their neighbours, manage rent payments, and access support services. We launched the app earlier this year and integrated it fully with our suite of Kx products. Student Roost are Kinetic’s first PBSA partner to implement it for the 24/25 academic year, and our ongoing collaboration focuses on evolving the platform and supporting Student Roost’s mission to provide personalised digital experiences.”