Cooling Off During Turn Season: ApartmentsFor Celebrates Student Housing Turn Teams with Treats

Every August, student housing teams across the country roll up their sleeves for one of the busiest times of the year... turn season. In just a matter of weeks, communities prepare for thousands of students moving in, ensuring every apartment is cleaned, repaired, and ready for the new semester. It’s a demanding stretch of long days, problem-solving, and teamwork that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.

At ApartmentsFor, we understand how much heart and hard work goes into making move-in season a success. That’s why, during the first two weeks of August, our team hit the road with one mission in mind: to show appreciation for the incredible turn teams powering student housing communities.

Over the first 2 weeks of August, our ApartmentsFor team visited more than 300 student housing communities across Gainesville, Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, Athens, Tuscaloosa, and Clemson. And we didn’t come empty-handed; we brought along some much-needed refreshments to help these hardworking teams cool off in the summer heat.

A Tour of Sweet Surprises

Each stop on our tour was a chance to connect with onsite teams and bring a moment of joy to their day. Instead of the usual routine of work orders and cleaning checklists, we showed up with something unexpected, a sweet treat and a thank you.                           

In Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando our team rolled up with a local Gelati truck stocked full of classic favorites. Nothing beats the smiles on the faces of leasing agents and maintenance crews when they see the truck roll in.

In Clemson, we kept things cool with gourmet popsicles in refreshing flavors that were perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up. Over in Athens and Tallahassee, the fan-favorite Kona Ice truck brought shaved ice in every flavor under the sun. Team members mixed and matched their own colorful creations, taking a few minutes to relax before heading back to the whirlwind of apartment prep. And in Tuscaloosa, we treated teams to some delicious Rita's Italian Ice.

Why Turn Teams Deserve the Spotlight

Turn season is the unsung backbone of student housing. For many communities, the majority of move-ins happen within a few days. That means every bed space, appliance, lightbulb, and cabinet has to be checked, cleaned, and ready.

Maintenance teams put in countless hours ensuring everything runs smoothly, while leasing teams balance last-minute paperwork, student questions, and move-in day logistics. It’s a massive coordinated effort that requires both stamina and teamwork.

By showing up with sweet treats, ApartmentsFor wasn’t just handing out ice cream, we were shining a spotlight on the people who make student housing possible. Their dedication is what helps students feel at home from the moment they pick up their keys.

Building Relationships Beyond Listings

ApartmentsFor is built on relationships, with onsite teams, students, and local communities. While our platform helps connect students with the right apartment, we know that a successful housing experience depends on so much more than floor plans and rent prices. It’s about the people behind the scenes who make student living positive, safe, and enjoyable.

Our turn season appreciation tour was a way to invest back into those relationships. By visiting more than 300 communities, we had the opportunity to thank onsite staff personally, share a few laughs, and remind them that their efforts don’t go unnoticed.

Looking Ahead to Move-In Day

As August winds down, thousands of students will unpack boxes, decorate their rooms, and start a new chapter of their college experience. Thanks to the tireless efforts of turn teams, those apartments will feel fresh, welcoming, and ready for the year ahead.

For ApartmentsFor, celebrating these teams is more than a once-a-year event. It’s part of our mission to support the student housing industry at every level. Whether we’re connecting students to the perfect apartment or recognizing the people who make student housing thrive, we’re proud to be part of the community.

We may have brought the ice cream, popsicles, and Kona Ice, but the real treat was getting to celebrate the hardworking professionals who make student living possible. Here’s to another successful move-in season and to all the student housing teams who make it happen.