Property Technology for Campuses

College and university campuses are some of the busiest places daily. They are filled with creative, passionate, unconventional, forward-thinking, and brilliant minds searching for ways to continue to grow. Even when it is not the school year, these campuses are still frequented by hundreds of students and faculty doing research, etc. As these schools are continuously bustling with life, efficiency is essential but, more often than not, tossed to the wayside.

For these schools to operate at full capacity day after day, college and university campuses need property technology that can handle all their requirements. For example, some campuses need a better handle on their parking management system; some require an internal tenant management platform. In addition, some campuses need help figuring out visitor parking, and some need a secure access control system for their dorms and apartments. ParqEx’s property tech platform meets all of these requirements and more. See how our property technology for campuses can fit your school’s needs.

Access + & Access + Touchless

ParqEx’s Access + technology amplifies security at all college and university campuses. With our tech, only approved individuals can access any electronic door, garage door, gate arm, elevator, common area, research facilities, gym, library, classrooms, dorm rooms, apartment buildings, etc. Through the Access + app, approved users can access these entry and exit points via smartphones. As only pre-approved users can gain access, campus security has complete control of which facilities every campus member can get into, thus drastically improving safety.

Do some research labs need extra caution due to health and safety concerns? Our Access + Touchless line is the solution. With our full touchless technology on-site, professors, students, and research assistants no longer have to touch any door. Instead, all doors can be opened via users’ phones.

If your school is also seeking ways to cut costs, eliminating all antiquated pieces of access control technology is a surefire way to do it. By ridding of kiosks, keycards, fobs, student ID cards, etc., your college or university is sure to cut costs, all while increasing the security of the entire school. Regarding safety, should a security issue ever happen on campus, ParqEx’s robust reporting system and management platform provide immediate real-time reporting on all access points on campus. Discover more ways our access + property technology for campuses will take the security and efficiency of your college/university to the next level.

Access + Premium LPR

If your campus needs a better handle on all parking management, you are not alone! Many college and university campuses are swamped with daily tasks that prevent proper enforcement of all campus parking. ParqEx’s Access + Premium License Plate Recognition technology simplifies enforcement and management of all parking across campus. With LPR, only approved driver’s license plates can gain access to the parking facilities. All they have to do is approach our forensic license plate reading cameras, and once their vehicles are verified and approved, they are admitted to the parking structure. Like Access +, with LPR, you can eliminate all keycards, fobs, tickets, punch pads, kiosks, and any parking tag system your school may be operating on.

If one of your primary concerns for your college or university is campus security, ParqEx’s LPR cameras provide an additional security benefit. These cameras constantly monitor every vehicle entering and exiting the property, thus giving you peace of mind that you know precisely which student, guest, employee, or faculty member is where and at what time. But to take it one step further, studies have repeatedly shown that simply having a camera on the property drastically reduces crime and vandalism rates. So why not add another piece of crime deterrent to your campus? Learn more about ParqEx’s LPR property technology for campuses. 

Enforcer

Enforcing any property has its fair share of challenges. But college campuses genuinely do come with their flair of difficulties. As they are notorious for people constantly being on the move, campus security has many moving pieces they have to keep their eye on. Using ParqEx’s Enforcer App, campus security will gain real-time parking enforcement capabilities. Through the app, security can quickly verify all vehicles on the entire campus, issue parking violations, ticket offending vehicles, and reeducate parkers on the parking rules on campus.

Like our entire access + line, the Enforcer App is a great avenue to cut costs as you will no longer need any printed tags, passes, or guest passes for all vehicles on campus. Gain peace of mind with ParqEx’s Enforcer App property technology for campuses.

GuestParq

Every parking facility finds guest parking to be a hassle. It is either too time-consuming, too difficult to enforce, annoying to constantly have to validate parking or just too much of a headache for enforcement. With ParqEx’s GuestParq, you can now easily manage guest parking, eliminate all headaches, and impress all prospective students and their visiting parents. Via the ParqEx app, now admissions and recruitment offices can reserve guest parking ahead of time and transfer the parking spots directly to visiting guests via email or text.

Stop fussing with visitor parking on your campus. Instead, let ParqEx increase your security and efficiency, all while impressing all campus visitors. Learn more about ParqEx’s guest parking property technology for campuses!

Marketplace

We know that campuses are only sometimes sitting at total capacity year-round. Of course, as mentioned, summer is busy for anyone remaining on campus for research, but the everyday hustle and bustle is a little tamer. Therefore, during winter, fall, spring, and summer break, we are confident a surplus of parking is available on your campus. You can list your unused parking spaces on ParqEx’s Marketplace during these times. This allows the college or university to rent out their parking to transient renters seeking parking there. In addition, by listing these spaces on our Marketplace, the campus can earn additional revenue during its “off-season.” Learn more about ParqEx’s Marketplace technology for campuses that will bring in easy extra income for your school.

White Label

Does this all seem like something your campus needs, but you know the college/university board will be hesitant about having another company’s brand visible across campus? Have they tossed around the idea of investing in their own proprietary technology for the school? Well, we have fantastic news for you! All six of our modules can become yours through white label! So allow us to be your in-house developers while boosting your school’s brand. Let us save you money! Check out how ParqEx’s White Labeling property technology for campuses takes all schools to the next level.

Case Study

All of our technologies are market-proven and have seen success nationwide. But do you need some extra reassurance that other colleges and universities have had a good experience with our tech? Luckily, our case study featuring student housing in Buffalo, NY, has been using our technology for years! Download the Property Technology For Student Housing case study here and learn how your school can eliminate hassles, cut costs, increase security, and impress all users.

Let’s discuss your school’s requirements and see how ParqEx can be the solution for you. Book a demo with us today! We can’t wait to get started.

The post Property Technology for Campuses appeared first on ParqEx.

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While these students could work every hour not spent in class and have plenty to pay their bills, this certainly is not an ideal option. After all, what is the point in having money if you can never use it to have fun with friends? Therefore, many scholars are seeking out other ways of earning an income while they attend school.

Enter the sharing economy. The gigs provided by the sharing economy are the ideal opportunity for busy college students. They offer flexible scheduling, simple tasks, and good money for the work being done.

Here are a few of the best sharing economy gigs for college kids:

Rover

The perfect site for pet lovers, Rover offers dog and cat enthusiasts the opportunity to take care of their favorite furry friends while earning some extra cash. Meanwhile, pet owners can rest easy while they vacation or head out of town for a business trip knowing their fur baby is in capable hands.

Rover allows sitters to set their own schedule and rates, so you can work when you want and be paid a fair amount every time.

Postmates

If you have a car and enjoy driving, you will love the opportunity Postmates offers. The goal of this company is to put people who wish to have something delivered in touch with those who are willing to deliver. Whether it’s a latte from the local coffee shop or a specific part from the hardware store, people always have errands to run. By running those errands for others, you can earn good money and have a blast cruising around town.

Shipt

Another great job that requires a car but doesn’t impose a 21-year age limit like Uber and Lyft is grocery delivery. Shipt is an awesome peer-to-peer grocery delivery service that gives cash-hungry individuals like yourself the perfect way to earn a few bucks on the fly. Whenever you have a little free time, squeeze in a quick shopping trip or two, and soon enough you’ll see your bank account fill up.

Takl

Help people knock out their to-do lists by joining the team of helping hands at Takl. This company helps busy individuals by providing them assistants on demand. As one of these assistants, you will be running errands, scheduling appointments, sending email messages, and any other typical day-to-day task your client may request. Of course, you can always pick and choose which jobs you take, so there is no pressure to always be on call.

ParqEx

If you live in a house, there is a good chance you have a driveway. Did you know that driveway is actually a valuable asset? This is especially true if you live near campus, in a big city, or anywhere else where parking is difficult to find. Take advantage of this asset by renting out a parking place in your driveway. You can do this very easily through the use of ParqEx, and before you know it, you’ll be making money without putting in any effort at all.

Of course, these are just a few of the hundreds of peer-to-peer sites that offer college students money-making gigs. Be sure to look into all your options so you can piece together the perfect collection of money-making opportunities for your situation.

Want to learn more about how the sharing economy can put more money in your wallet? Please contact us today at ParqEx.

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Problem #1: The Parking Lot is Full

Many college campuses are more interested in the money they can earn by selling their parking passes than they are in ensuring that every student with a parking pass is able to find parking. Not only that, unauthorized individuals still park in many lots, and security might not be eager to write tickets. If you’re driving around student lots that are stuffed full of cars, ParqEx can help! Instead of trying to find a parking spot in your usual haunts, pull up your ParqEx app and find a spot that will work for you.

Problem #2: Your First Class is Later in the Day

Starting class late in the day sounded great. You wouldn’t have to worry about waking up early and hurrying off to campus, which means the luxury of sleeping later or the chance to get more done in the morning. There’s just one problem: by the time you head to campus, you aren’t sure you’re going to be able to find a parking space! Thankfully, thanks to ParqEx, you can either secure a space when you’re running late and need a space in a hurry or choose to rent a space for the year so that there’s always parking available just for you.

Problem #3: You’re Still Not So Confident in Your Driving Skills

There are spots to be found on campus, but most of them require you to parallel park–which is not your favorite thing to do. Perhaps the average spot available when you slide in for the day is tiny, and you drive a larger-model SUV. If you’ve struggled with the fact that all of the available parking spaces seemed to be designed for people with a lot more driving skill than you have–or at least a lot more confidence–don’t worry! ParqEx includes descriptions and even pictures of the available parking spaces so that you can choose one that will fit your specific driving needs. Don’t like tight spaces or prefer to be able to back into the space so you can pull straight out? There are plenty of spaces available through ParqEx that will fit your needs.

Problem #4: You Aren’t Sure Where You Can Park

Some of the parking lots around campus are clearly labeled, but other spots that appear to be available turn out to be reserved for someone else entirely. Unfortunately, you may have already gotten a ticket for parking in the wrong space–or maybe you’re simply worried about getting in trouble. Fortunately, ParqEx makes finding a space where you’re allowed to park easy! Instead of having to keep driving, potentially missing out on a great space while you find out whether or not you’re able to park there, or gambling that a space will be okay for you to park in, ParqEx will let you pick a parking space that is specifically yours.

Finding the right parking space on campus can be a real headache, especially during the busiest days early in the semester. Whether you’re eager to avoid the traffic and know that there’s a parking space waiting for you when you head to campus each day or you have a parking space on or near campus that you aren’t using but would like to turn into side income, contact us! We’ll work with you to help you discover more about how you can make parking easier than ever.

The post Back to School 2017: Battling Your Parking Woes appeared first on ParqEx.

Step One: Decide When You Want to Rent Your Spot

In some cases, you might be fine with renting your spot out all day, every day. In other cases, you might only want to rent your spot out during specific times of the day or during specific events–game days and campus events, for example. Consider the hours: do you have a parking space just a short walk from campus that you don’t use during the day, but will need to pull into when you get off work at night? What about your days off: will you still be using your space then? Carefully consider when you need your spot to be available for your use–or that of friends and family members who drive–before you create your listing.

Step Two: Consider Your Pricing

On game days or during big events on campus, from job fairs to races, parking is at a premium on campus. On those days, you will be able to charge higher rates for your spot. For ordinary days, on the other hand, consider the price of other parking spaces near and on campus. Check out the average rates asked for by people in your area. Make sure you take into consideration how close they are to campus in comparison to your parking space: the spots closest to campus may be able to get away with charging a little more. If you know parking is hard, but not impossible, to find, listing your available spot for a lower rate is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll get people eager to use your space.

Finally, make sure you consider whether you really want to attract short-term parkers or long-term renters. In some cases, students or teachers who struggle to find parking on campus may be interested in renting your space throughout the week. In other cases, however, you’ll prefer short-term, single-use parking.

Step Three: List Your Space

Are you ready to start earning money for that empty space that’s just sitting there? Whether you’re gone during the day to your own job and your car won’t pull into your space until long after the students are gone or you’ve never felt the need to have a car of your own, it’s time to list your parking space and let it start making money for you! This relatively easy process makes it a snap to put together a listing and ensure that your space is visible to the public. Make sure that you take great pictures and list details about the space. How much room is available? Is it easy for college students to get in and out of the space? Is there anything interested buyers need to know–for example, how to get to the space more easily? By including those important details, you’ll make it more likely that your listing will be chosen.

Listing your parking space is a great way to add a side source of income and make the most out of a space that you aren’t using anyway. Whether you’re looking for semester-long rental options or you’re simply trying to make some extra money on the day of the big game, contact us today to learn more about how ParqEx can help.

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The post Conquering the On-Campus Parking Challenge, Part Two: Renting Your Space appeared first on ParqEx.

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, there’s hope! ParqEx can solve many of your on-campus parking challenges. Whether you’re hurrying in at the last minute for an event on campus or you’re looking for a space that you can use throughout the semester, ParqEx will provide many of your parking solutions.

Know Where You’re Parking Every Day

One of the biggest challenges of parking on campus is simply finding the right spot for your vehicle. Some days, you can slide straight in to your favorite spot. Other days, you’ll circle the lot half a dozen times looking for an empty space. When you rent a spot through ParqEx, on the other hand, you’ll know exactly where you’re parking every day, saving yourself both time and gas in the process.

Never Be the One Without a Space

Many college campuses now sell more parking passes than they have spaces for students. Most of the time, it’s practical: every student isn’t on campus at the same time, and they want to sell the maximum number of passes. Unfortunately, during big events, throughout the first few weeks of school, and during high-traffic times, that can lead to some students being unable to find a parking space. The solution? Rent a space with ParqEx. Then, you’ll always know that you have a space waiting on you when you get there.

Know Where to Park During Events

During campus events, parking is at a premium. Often, you’ll end up parking far away from campus and walking just to be able to find a place to put your car. In other cases, you might find yourself struggling to find a place to park in time for a major event. The solution? ParqEx. You can simply reserve your space ahead of time, then pull in when you’re ready. You also won’t have to worry about whether or not your parking pass is valid during a specific time or event, since the terms of your agreement will set out exactly when you’re able to watch.

Base Your Timing on Your Schedule

Whether you’re headed to an event or a regular class on your college campus, your timing is often determined by when you’ll be able to get there and find parking. You may have to leave your home hours early in order to be sure that you’ll be able to find parking when you get there. With ParqEx, however, you can base your timing on your schedule. Your parking space will be waiting there when you’re ready to pull into it!

For college students, people who regularly attend events on college campuses, and even parents and family members of college students who need to come by for a few days, ParqEx is an excellent solution to all of your parking needs. Why drive around in circles, fighting the crowd and just hoping that someone will pull out of a space when you need one? Simply reserve your space on ParqEx. Make arrangements for the semester or purchase your space on a daily basis: whatever you need, ParqEx is there to help. Contact us today to earn more about the services available in your city.

The post Conquering the On-Campus Parking Challenge, Part One: Finding a Space appeared first on ParqEx.

But do you know what options you really have when it comes to your monthly parking options? Or are you limiting yourself by following official university protocol? Here are some options, along with recommendations on how you can make the most of them.

1) Park on Campus

It seems like the most obvious solution, but it also tends to be the most frustrating. Parking on college campus, particularly in and around Chicago, can be difficult. Often, you have to get a permit, which can cost you hundreds of dollars. But even if it’s free, you’re limited to a select few lots that are often tediously far away from your dorm or classrooms.

Of course, especially as the weather turns, that can become a significant problem. Parking on campus is almost never easy, and there is not much you can do about it to improve it. Some campus do offer premium parking spaces in more convenient spots such as a garage, but you will have to pay for those.

2) Take Your Chances Without a Permit

Given the above challenges, students increasingly park on college campus without a permit. That tends to lead to two options: use limited visitor spots, or simply forego the permit to hope that campus security doesn’t catch up to you.

The first, naturally, comes with the exact challenges as parking with a campus. In fact, these challenges may be even worse: your selection will be even more limited, which can lead to increased frustration. But taking your chances while parking illegally is even more problematic. Naturally, we advise against it, not only because it’s illegal but also because campus security doesn’t tend to treat repeat parking offenders kindly.

3) Park Around the City

Especially in large metropoles like Chicago, parking options around the city can actually be more convenient and beneficial than on-campus options. Of course, you have to make sure that any spot you reserve (or meter you frequent) is close enough to campus to ensure a reasonable from classes to your car and back.

At the same time, this option also presents a number of challenges. For starters, you now compete not just with other college students, but working professionals in the city for the same spots. In addition, the most convenient options tend to either go quickly or be expensive.

4) Consider Peer to Peer Parking

Most college students consider the above three to be their only choices for parking around campus. But what if we told you that you actually have another option that can beat all of them? We’re talking about peer to peer parking, the process of contacting someone who owns a parking spot in your neighborhood directly to secure a convenient parking spot.

Consider it the AirBNB of parking: anyone who owns a parking spot can make it available on a free parking app, while you can find spots near a location convenient for you. Cutting out the commercial entity means increased flexibility, and significantly lower prices.

Are you interested in a parking option for your college campus that does not require significant expenses or inconvenient locations? If so, you should seriously look into peer to peer parking. An app like ours, for example, simplifies the process for both parking spot owners and drivers to allow you to easily find a spot that fits your needs. Contact us to learn more.

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Back to school month is a busy time for college students, and there are many important details they must remember to address.

One important (and often neglected) part of planning the school year when you are a college student is deciding where you will park during classes.

Though it may seem like the most obvious solution, parking on campus is usually cramped and expensive. Things get especially tough when a student will be arriving at school later in the day, as there are often few parking spots left, and the student is forced to drive in circles until they find a spot. This can often lead to the student being late to class. This is bad for the student’s grades and reputation.

The best way to avoid this situation is by reserving a private parking space that is within walking or biking distance of the school. In reserving a spot to park, you will be able to rest easy knowing that there will be a place for you to leave your vehicle while you attend class. “But,” you may ask, “where on earth would I find a parking place for rent?”

ParqEx is an excellent place to search for private parking places to rent near your school. This peer-to-peer parking program allows anyone with an open parking space to rent that space out to folks like you who might need it. This creates a win-win situation, as the student is able to score a reserved parking space, and the renter makes a little extra money on the side.

Perhaps in your school planning you were lucky and found a house for rent within walking distance to your school. In this case, you obviously don’t need to worry about parking, as you can just hop out of bed and walk over to your first class of the day.

However, if you have extra driveway space and want to make some extra cash, you can use ParqEx can rent out parking to a fellow student in need of a space. This will put some extra money in your pocket and help someone else out at the same time. Let’s face it, every college student could use that extra spending money.

Do you want to know the best thing about ParqEx? It isn’t limited to schools. ParqEx can be used across several cities in the United States, and will only continue to grow. So, the next time you’re taking a trip to Chicago and don’t want to pay a fortune for parking, check ParqEx first. You will almost certainly find someone who is more than happy to rent out their Chicago parking space in exchange for a bit of cash so you can head out to see the sights. The same holds true for Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.

As you can see, ParqEx is an excellent solution no matter what your parking or renting needs may be. If you are ready to get started with this incredible service, download the app now.

If you have questions, or would like to learn more about or service, please feel free to contact us. We would be thrilled to address any questions or concerns you may have so you can begin enjoying ParqEx as soon as possible.

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Crystal isn’t currently enrolled at the university.  She’s just meeting a friend for lunch at a little place that happens to be a few miles off campus.  Unfortunately, she’s beginning to regret her decision to drive all the way in instead of parking off campus and walking.  There’s no parking anywhere near the restaurant, and she’s about to be late to meet her friend.  Even if she wanted to park further away, she’s wearing her favorite pair of stylish–yet highly uncomfortable–shoes.  Walking that far simply isn’t an option.  Now, if she could just find a parking space.

Byron has been planning this date for weeks.  He knew that Gabby loved theater, so he was sure that she’d be enchanted by his decision to take her to the college’s latest production.  He’d planned everything perfectly:  he’d dressed his best, remembered to bring her flowers, and even scoped out the best place to take her out to dinner after the play.  There’s just one problem:  it’s pouring rain, she’s not dressed for walking, and there are no parking places to be had anywhere.

Mark has a standing appointment to tutor Lacey on Wednesdays after her last class.  Unfortunately, the last few times he’s come in, he’s been running very, very late.  It isn’t because he isn’t making the effort to show up on time; the trouble is, he hasn’t been able to find parking.  He’s leaving with plenty of time to get there and get a space; there just isn’t one anywhere!  By the time he finds one, he’s running behind, and he has to cut her tutoring session short as a result.  She’s not getting what she needs out of the arrangement, and that means that if he’s not careful, he’s going to be looking for another tutoring job.

Jordan just needs to run into the bookstore on campus to pick up one item.  He’ll only be there for a few minutes…if he can find a parking space.  Unfortunately, if he has to park off-campus and walk, he’s going to end up being late to his job.  He has to get in and get that book picked up, or his professor is going to read him the riot act on Monday, but he can’t risk being late to work, either.  All he can do is hope that there will be a parking space open…or is it?

All of these people have one thing in common:  they need a parking space.  Some of them need one for a one-time event or commitment.  Others would benefit from having regular access to a parking spot.  The solution?  ParqEx.  ParqEx allows drivers just like these three individuals to reserve parking spots when they need them the most, where they need them the most.  In high-traffic areas, finding a parking space can be a real challenge, but with ParqEx, you can rest assured that you’ll have the parking space you need, when you need it.

Need more information?  Fee free to contact us with your questions and concerns and to learn how ParqEx can revolutionize your parking habits.

The post The Trials of Parking at the University appeared first on ParqEx.

According to figures from the National Center For Education Statistics, in recent years, enrollment at secondary educational institutes has risen by 24%, from 16.6 million to 20.6 million.  The number of full-time students rose to 28%, while the number of part-time students rose by 19%. While this is great for the education of our society as a whole, students and faculty are frustrated by a lack of adequate parking.

UIC Gets a C Minus in Parking

For those attending UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago), they’re logging in at the popular College Niche website and have given the parking situation on campus a C minus as an average grade. While this denotes a less than fair level when it comes to grading standards, it would not be a grade that I would want to see on my college kid’s report card. Some of the complaints listed by students were:

• The price for parking in a semester is way too high
• Free parking around UIC does not really exist
• Get(s) annoying real quick because it’s always packed
• Parking on campus is impossible
• You need to plan ahead to make it to class on time

A student author contributor notes, “According to research, at any given time there are about seventeen thousand people on campus, but there are only about eleven thousand available parking spaces.”

Worst City For Parking

Since Chicago is such a big city, it should probably come as no big surprise to students that parking is a problem there. As a matter of fact, Nerd Wallet named the windy city the worst town for parking in all of the United States. They cited variables such as cost, problems with theft and pointing to a controversial privatization of parking.

Prices skyrocketed in 2009 after the City of Chicago made a deal with a group of investors, organized by Morgan Stanley, to operate its meters for 75 years. A group called Chicago Parking Meters LLC runs the gamut and the city also has an enormous laundry list of parking violations that they use to deliver expensive citations.

No Room and No Money For Additional Parking

One might imagine the simple solution would be to simply add more parking structures or build additional lots, but in most cases, there isn’t sufficient space or funds available. According to Parking Today, the cost to build just one parking spot is around $2,000. For a parking garage or other type of structure, the expense shoots up to somewhere between $13,000 and $15,000 per space.

The addition of more parking also means an increase in traffic, which means that the University would also be forced to perform a traffic analysis. Campus and neighboring streets may not be able to handle the additional wear and tear on their aging roadways and other surfaces.

Students Using Peer to Peer Parking

In today’s modern technological world, many are turning to apps like our ParqEx solution, which is sometimes referred to as Peer to Peer Parking. The concept is actually quite simple, after downloading the app to your smartphone or android device, you can search for a cheaper available parking spot in your area. If you have a parking place to offer, you have the ability to give it to others at a more affordable price.

For permanent parking solutions in the Chicago area, please contact us today. We can work something out to benefit everyone involved.

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