Mumbai, a city bustling with dreams and aspirations, serves as a perfect backdrop for the evolution of student housing in India. Restay India, a promising name in this sector, has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s leading student housing brands since its inception just three years ago. Founded by college mates Kush Jagetia and Abhay Kursija, Restay has expanded from a single hostel in Gandhinagar to managing over 1,000 active beds across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The company is now strategically setting its sights on major Tier-1 cities including Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai, and is also planning to venture into the travel hostel market in enchanting locations such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa, and Uttarakhand.
At the core of Restay's mission is the belief that student housing should feel like home, not just a place to stay. This philosophy has driven the founders to address the prevalent issues within the sector, characterized by inconsistent quality and a lack of community. By establishing Restay, they have focused on three pivotal pillars: safety, engagement, and community. Their hands-on approach during the initial stages, which included daily interactions with residents and even personally delivering snacks, has shaped the company’s operational framework, leading to the creation of robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and property management systems.
The growth of Restay has been nothing short of remarkable, with projections indicating a revenue surge from ₹70 lakhs in FY24 to ₹2 crores in FY25. A significant milestone includes the launch of a 540-bed franchise property in FY25, with a projected turnover exceeding ₹5 crores by the end of FY26. This impressive growth is complemented by a consistent occupancy rate of 85% and a renewal rate surpassing 70%, highlighting Restay’s popularity and reliability among students.
What sets Restay apart from traditional student housing options is its student-first model, which marries hospitality-grade services with the essence of community living. The brand offers unique features such as room service for snacks, meals, and essentials, ensuring that students have all their needs met conveniently. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the living experience but also fosters a sense of belonging among residents, making Restay a preferred choice for students across India.
As Restay India continues its journey of redefining student housing, it aims to establish a strong presence across the nation, driving innovation and providing unparalleled living experiences for students. The future looks promising for Restay, as it strives to create homes filled with warmth, safety, and community for the youth of India.