Student One
Student One operates three purpose-built student accommodation buildings totalling about 2,326 beds in central Brisbane, serving international and domestic students with flexible 2-to-52 week leases, on-site amenities, and a Res Life community program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersBrisbane, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Student One does
Student One is a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operator headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, trading through the legal entity SO Operating Co Pty Ltd. It runs three CBD residential assets — Adelaide Street (672 beds), Wharf Street (753 beds) and Elizabeth Street (901 beds) — for a combined capacity of approximately 2,326 beds housing more than 2,300 students from over 77 countries. The portfolio serves both international and domestic students at Brisbane universities, colleges, ELICOS and VET providers, with a regulated under-18 segment supported by Queensland Government Blue Card staff, secure floors and curfew arrangements. Differentiated offerings include a Flexi-Stay short-term product (from 2 weeks), standard leases up to 52 weeks, cross-building access to amenities (pool, sky lounge, cinemas, gyms, study floors, games rooms), a Res Life community program and multilingual 24/7 on-site staff.
The underlying technology stack is conventional property-management infrastructure rather than proprietary software: a website-based booking platform for direct reservations, StarRez as the housing management / tenant portal system, secure swipe-card building access, CCTV monitoring, and free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi across all properties. Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via the website, supplemented by an education agent network (agents register with references from HE, ELICOS or VET sectors), in-person reception bookings across the three sites, scheduled site tours, and an active organic social presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and WeChat, alongside multilingual downloadable resources in ten languages.
The business model is straightforward recurring rental revenue: students pay a deposit equal to two weeks' rent, then rent fortnightly in advance for leases between 2 and 52 weeks, with utilities, Wi-Fi and amenities included. Ancillary revenue levers include a Refer-a-Friend rewards program ($400/$200 for 50-week bookings), hotel partnerships that direct visiting families to neighbouring properties, a Parkable parking arrangement, and a free Translink shuttle to UQ St Lucia — none of which materially shift the underlying rent-driven economics.
Student One firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Student One
- Legal name
- SO Operating Co Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://studentone.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Student One operates three purpose-built student accommodation buildings totalling about 2,326 beds in central Brisbane, serving international and domestic students with flexible 2-to-52 week leases, on-site amenities, and a Res Life community program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Student One industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Student Accommodation (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation / PBSA)
- NAICS
- Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (72131)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- University Dorms & Affiliated Summer Housing (THAMAGAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Student-Focused Co-Living (Flexible, Community-Led) (THAMAGAI), Student & Academic Term Monthly Housing (THAMAFAH), Short-Term Student Housing (Summer/Intensive Programs) (EDAIALAF)
Keywords
Where Student One is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brisbane
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
Student One business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Student Accommodation Rental: Student One generates revenue primarily through weekly rental payments from students occupying their accommodation. Rent is paid fortnightly in advance for standard leases, with 4-week contracts requiring full payment prior to arrival. A deposit equal to two weeks' rent is required to secure a booking. Utilities including water, gas, and electricity are included in the rent.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Fortnightly | Standard Student Accommodation |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Flexi-Stay Short Term |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Referral Reward - 50 Week Booking |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Referral Reward - 25 Week Booking |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
Student One product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Student One rents furnished, utility-inclusive studio and shared apartments to students in three Brisbane CBD buildings, with flexible lease terms ranging from 2 weeks (Flexi-Stay) to 52 weeks. Rentals include unlimited Wi-Fi, access to shared facilities (gym, cinema, pool, study rooms, rooftop lounge, games areas), 24/7 multilingual on-site staff, secure swipe-card access, and a Res Life community events program. A specialised Under-18 International Student Accommodation Package adds restricted-access floors, curfew, CCTV monitoring, and Queensland Government Blue Card staff.
Product overview
Student One is a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provider operating three residential buildings in Brisbane's CBD: Adelaide Street (672 beds), Wharf Street (753 beds), and Elizabeth Street (901 beds), totalling over 2,300 beds for students from more than 77 countries. The core offering is furnished, air-conditioned accommodation available in studio room types (single, double, bunk, twin, king, executive studios, and accessible rooms) and shared four-to-six-bedroom apartments, all with flexible lease options ranging from 2 weeks (Flexi-Stay) to 52 weeks. Utilities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and access to shared facilities (gyms, cinemas, pools, games areas, study spaces, rooftop lounges, BBQ areas, music rooms) are included. Residents can access facilities across all three buildings. Supplementary services include an Online Booking Platform for self-service reservations, a Refer a Friend referral rewards program, a Res Life community program with regular social events, multilingual international student resources, and a dedicated Under-18 Student Accommodation Package with enhanced safety measures. The three buildings serve as the single unified accommodation portfolio, with each location offering distinct facilities while sharing a common brand, booking system, community program and support infrastructure.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Student One Adelaide Street A 672-bed purpose-built student accommodation building in Brisbane CBD featuring budget-friendly room options including bunk and twin rooms, a beanbag cinema, gym, games area, communal kitchen, BBQ area, lounge and study rooms on each floor, and direct access to groceries and cafes within the building.
- Student One Wharf Street A 753-bed purpose-built student accommodation building offering extensive shared facilities at Student One, including a swimming pool on Level 4, 39th-floor sky lounge and deck, outdoor BBQ area, PS4 and games area with pool, foosball and ping pong tables, music rooms, and a dedicated study floor.
- Student One Elizabeth Street A 901-bed purpose-built student accommodation building positioned as Student One's most central location, featuring a rooftop cinema and BBQ areas, modern gym, large games room, comfortable study spaces, rooftop lounge, and easy access to dining, entertainment and transport in Brisbane's city centre.
- Studio Room Accommodation Furnished and air-conditioned private or shared studio rooms available across all three Student One buildings. Room types include single, double, bunk, twin, king, and executive studios with kitchen facilities and kitchenware. Selected studios (Executive, King, Queen) accommodate couples or couples with a child; wheelchair-accessible rooms are also available.
- Shared Apartment Accommodation Furnished shared apartments of four to six bedrooms available across all Student One buildings. Residents can book into the same apartment with friends; if a group does not fill every bedroom, Student One fills remaining rooms with other students.
- Flexi-Stay Short-Term Accommodation Flexible short-stay accommodation available from as little as 2 weeks, allowing students to 'try before they buy'. Managed through the booking platform's Flexi-Stays filter; full payment is required prior to arrival for 4-week stays.
- Under-18 International Student Accommodation Package Supported accommodation service for international students under 18, offering dedicated floors with restricted electronic key card access, CCTV monitoring, 24/7 on-site staff, a 10.00pm curfew, and approval from all major universities and schools. Parents/guardians and educational institutions must confirm arrangements and sign a guarantee before move-in. Staff hold Queensland Government Blue Cards.
Quantifiable outcome
- Free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi for up to 6 devices simultaneously
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Student One
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Student One technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Student One partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Holiday Inn Express BrisbaneminorRecommended partner hotel for visiting family and friends of Student One residents. Located approximately 300 metres from Adelaide Street and Wharf Street residences. Special booking arrangements available for Student One visitors.
- ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth StreetminorRecommended partner hotel for visitors of Student One Elizabeth Street residents. Located across the road from Elizabeth Street residence, adjacent to Uptown shopping centre. Corporate booking links available for Student One visitors.
- ParkableminorRecommended parking-sharing platform for Student One residents who need car parking. Available for short-term and monthly parking near Student One locations. All bookings, payments and site access managed through the Parkable app.
- TranslinkminorQueensland public transport authority providing bus, train, ferry and tram services. Student One offers free shuttle rides to UQ St Lucia campus. Queensland public transport fares are currently 50 cents per journey.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Student One competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Atira Student Living: Australian purpose-built student accommodation provider with multi-city portfolio including Brisbane, offering furnished studios and shared apartments targeting both international and domestic university students.
- UniLodge: Large Australian PBSA operator running numerous student residences across Brisbane and other major university cities, offering studio and shared apartments with comparable flexible lease terms and resident support programs.
- Iglu: Australian purpose-built student accommodation operator with multiple CBD and inner-city properties serving international and domestic students with furnished studios and shared apartments. Closest direct competitor to Student One's Brisbane CBD model.
- Y Suites: Australian student accommodation operator focused on urban, design-led residences for university students, with comparable flexible leases and co-living-style community programming.
- Scape Australia: Major Australian PBSA brand operating large student residences in Brisbane and other capital cities with a focus on international students, full-service amenities and flexible length-of-stay options.
- The Student Housing Company: Operator of premium student accommodation in Australian CBDs including Brisbane, marketing to international students with furnished studios, shared facilities and community events.
- Campus Living Villages: Australian student accommodation provider operating large residences near major universities with similar furnished-room, utility-included and community-event offerings to Student One.
Broad incumbents
- Quest Apartment Hotels: Apartment-style accommodation provider in Brisbane CBD with studios and multi-bedroom units that overlap with Student One's short-stay Flexi-Stay offering, though aimed at a broader (non-student) market.
- GSA (Global Student Accommodation): Global PBSA investor and operator with assets across multiple continents, including Australian markets. Less focused exclusively on Brisbane but competes for the same international student demand pool.
Others
- Parkable: Parking-sharing platform formally partnered with Student One to provide on-demand parking near its residences. Not a competitor but an ecosystem partner addressing Student One's lack of on-site parking.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Student One social profiles
Digital presenceStudent One financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Student One leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Student One funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Student One M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Student One
What does Student One do?
Student One rents furnished, utility-inclusive studio and shared apartments to students in three Brisbane CBD buildings, with flexible lease terms ranging from 2 weeks (Flexi-Stay) to 52 weeks. Rentals include unlimited Wi-Fi, access to shared facilities (gym, cinema, pool, study rooms, rooftop lounge, games areas), 24/7 multilingual on-site staff, secure swipe-card access, and a Res Life community events program. A specialised Under-18 International Student Accommodation Package adds restricted-access floors, curfew, CCTV monitoring, and Queensland Government Blue Card staff.
Is Student One a public or private company?
Student One is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Student One founded?
Student One was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Student One based?
Student One is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Student One make money?
One revenue line is on record: student Accommodation Rental.
Who are Student One's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Atira Student Living, UniLodge, Iglu, Y Suites, Scape Australia, The Student Housing Company and Campus Living Villages. Broad incumbents are Quest Apartment Hotels and GSA (Global Student Accommodation). Parkable is listed as an others.
Does Student One have an API?
No public API is recorded for Student One.
What industry is Student One in?
Student One's product category is Student Accommodation (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation / PBSA). Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAMAGAA, University Dorms & Affiliated Summer Housing, with a secondary code of THAMAGAI, Student-Focused Co-Living (Flexible, Community-Led). Its NAICS code is 72131 and its SIC code is 7000.