Market Intelligence: Spring 2026 Student Update
Spring Leasing, International Enrollment Declines & the Student Housing Outlook
Spring leasing season is gaining momentum—but for student housing, this year looks very different than last fall. International student enrollment is dropping sharply, creating real pressure on occupancy and pricing in markets that have historically depended on that demand. As this shift reshapes leasing outcomes, operators are being forced to compete differently, rethink pricing strategies, and adjust expectations market by market.
Join Arben Skivjani, Deputy Chief Economist at RealPage, and Carl Whitaker, VP & Chief Economist at RealPage, for a data-driven webcast focused on what’s happening right now—and what it means for your portfolio.
RealPage’s market experts will break down:
- Spring lease-up performance and summer pre-lease momentum
- Rent growth, occupancy, and pre-lease velocity across key university markets
- The impact of declining international enrollment on demand and pricing
- Which regions are holding steady—and which are feeling the greatest pressure
- How supply dynamics are amplifying or easing challenges across markets
Whether you’re tracking leasing progress, adjusting pricing strategies, or planning for the fall, this session delivers critical insight to help you navigate a rapidly shifting student housing landscape.
Arben Skivjani serves as a Deputy Chief Economist and Data Scientist for RealPage, Inc. His primary focus is on forecasting and econometric modeling, economic impact studies, reporting and analysis of macroeconomic trends that affect the multifamily industry. Prior to joining RealPage, Arben worked for several government and private sector entities, including the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, Center for Business and Economic Development at the University of Alabama and Camoin Associates in Upstate New York.
Arben is heavily involved in the Dallas/Fort Worth Association for Business Economics where he currently serves as Vice President and is a member the National Association for Business Economics.
Arben holds a master’s degree in economics from The University of Alabama.
Carl Whitaker
Vice President & Chief Economist, RealPage, Inc.Carl Whitaker is RealPage’s Chief Economist, leading the company's team of economists and market analysts. Carl and the Market Intelligence team specialize in analyzing and disseminating economic and market trends for the rental housing industry. He primarily focuses on presenting trends in the rental housing industry to a wide audience, including investors, asset managers, operations professionals and media, among other personas. Carl has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and GlobeSt and is a frequent keynote speaker for industry events. Carl holds degrees from the University of North Texas, including a Master of Science in Applied Geography.
