5 Tips on How to Attract Students to Your Coworking Space

Coworking spaces have evolved into vibrant hubs for freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers alike, offering a dynamic environment that fosters productivity and collaboration. However, there is a growing demographic that can also benefit immensely from these spaces: students.

As the educational landscape changes and remote learning becomes more prevalent, students seek out environments that support their academic and social needs, while also providing them with real-life office experience. This is why attracting students to your coworking space can provide a steady influx of new members and infuse your space with youthful energy and creativity.

With this in mind, we put together five detailed tips on how to attract students to your coworking space:

1. Offer Student Discounts & Flexible Membership Plans

Keep in mind that students often operate on tight budgets, making affordability a key factor in their decision-making process. To make your coworking space more accessible, offer special discounts and flexible membership plans tailored to students. Here are some strategies that you can implement:

• Discounted Rates: Provide significant discounts on daily, weekly and monthly passes for students. This makes it easier for them to afford membership without straining their finances.
• Flexible Hours: Offer memberships that allow access during off-peak hours, such as evenings and weekends, which are often when students are most likely to need study spaces or join internship programs.
• Part-Time Memberships: Create customizable part-time membership options that cater to students’ schedules, allowing them to use the space for a few days or specific hours each week.

These pricing strategies not only attract students but also fill your coworking space during times that might otherwise be less busy, maximizing your space’s utilization.

2. Create a Study-Friendly Environment

A conducive environment is essential for attracting students who need a productive space to study and collaborate. Consider the following enhancements to your space if you’re looking to drive more students to it:

• Quiet Zones: Designate quiet areas where students can focus on their studies without distractions. Equip these zones with comfortable seating, ample lighting and noise-canceling features.
• Collaborative Spaces: Provide communal areas with large tables and whiteboards for group projects and discussions. Ensure these spaces are flexible enough to accommodate different group sizes.
• Academic Resources: Offer amenities such as high-speed internet, printers, scanners and projectors. These tools are crucial for completing assignments and presentations.

By creating a versatile environment that caters to both individual study and group work, your coworking space can become an attractive option for students looking for a productive alternative to traditional study spots like libraries or coffee shops, which can be restrictive or distracting.

3. Host Educational & Networking Events

Organizing events that cater to students’ academic and professional growth can significantly increase their interest in your coworking space. Here are some event ideas that you can implement:

• Workshops and Seminars: Host workshops on topics like resume building, interview skills, time management and career planning. If you have the option, bring in guest speakers from various industries to provide valuable insights and advice.
• Study Groups: Organize study groups for different subjects or exam preparation sessions. These groups can be facilitated by tutors or advanced students to provide additional support.
• Networking Events: Arrange networking events where students can meet professionals, alumni and potential mentors. These events can help students build connections and gain insights into their future careers.

Partnering with local universities and colleges to promote these events can enhance your space’s visibility and reputation among the student community. Keep in mind that many coworking spaces across the U.S. are strategically placed around universities and campuses in order to enhance their customer base and drive more students and/or faculty.

4. Promote a Sense of Community

Creating a welcoming and inclusive community is crucial for attracting and retaining student members, especially when considering that many of them might have attended college during the pandemic years and have faced social and academic isolation. Here’s how you can foster a sense of belonging:

• Social Events: Organize social events such as movie nights, game nights or themed parties. These events provide opportunities for students to relax and socialize outside of their academic responsibilities.
• Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs where experienced professionals can guide students in their academic and career paths. This not only provides valuable support to students but also strengthens your community.
• Member Spotlights: Feature students’ achievements and projects in your newsletter or social media channels. Recognizing their efforts publicly can boost their confidence and sense of belonging.

A supportive and engaging community will make your coworking space a preferred choice for students seeking both academic and social enrichment.

5. Leverage Social Media & Campus Partnerships

Effective marketing is essential to reach the student demographic, and leveraging social media and campus partnerships can amplify your efforts:

• Social Media Presence: Maintain active profiles on platforms popular with students, such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Share engaging content, success stories and upcoming events to capture their interest.
• Campus Collaborations: Partner with local colleges and universities to offer exclusive deals to students. Place flyers on campus bulletin boards, advertise in student newspapers and collaborate with student clubs and organizations.
• Referral Programs: Implement referral programs where existing student members can earn rewards for bringing in new members. This can help spread the word organically among student communities.

By strategically utilizing these marketing channels, you can increase awareness and attract more student members to your coworking space.

Conclusion

By offering student discounts, creating a study-friendly environment, hosting educational events, promoting community, and leveraging social media and campus partnerships, you can effectively attract students to your coworking space. Catering to their unique needs and fostering a welcoming atmosphere will not only help you gain new members but also enrich your coworking community with diverse ideas and youthful energy. As students integrate into your space, their creativity and enthusiasm can inspire all members, making your coworking space a dynamic and vibrant place to work and learn.