The Role of Operations in Managing Student Housing and Events: A Study of The Commun

Abstract

This dissertation documents the outcomes of my three-month internship as an Operations Intern at The Commun, an organization operating in the student accommodation and community living sector. The internship provided exposure to operational processes, market dynamics, and the role of efficient execution in enhancing service delivery. The report begins with an overview of the global and Indian student housing industry, highlighting the growing demand for structured and lifestyle-based co-living solutions. It then presents a detailed company profile of The Commun, including its organizational structure, functional processes, competition mapping, and strategic analysis through SWOT and PESTLE frameworks. During the internship, my responsibilities were focused on two major areas: Student Accommodation Project – managing leads, addressing inquiries, mapping student needs to housing options, maintaining structured trackers, and supporting conversion activities.Event Operations – preparing pre-event checklists, coordinating vendors, ensuring logistical readiness, and assisting in execution planning.The research review section consolidates insights from 50 academic papers and industry articles, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding trends, opportunities, and challenges in co-living and operations management. A comprehensive case study of The Commun’s housing project demonstrates how operational strategies directly influence client satisfaction and business outcomes.The internship enabled me to develop strong competencies in communication, data management, client servicing, and multitasking. It also highlighted the significance of structured planning, cross-functional collaboration, and ownership of tasks in operational roles.