Match Day just happened. Now what? Here is how to attract medical residents after Match Day
Thousands of medical students across the country just found out where they’ll spend the next 3 to 7 years for residency. For many, that means packing up, moving to a new city, and finding a new place to live — quickly. Flamingo is all about resident retention and there is likely no better group primed to boost your retention than these new doctors.
For apartment communities near hospitals, universities, and medical schools, this moment represents a major opportunity.
Match Day isn’t just a big deal in the medical world. It should be a big deal in the apartment marketing world too.
Here’s how your property can take advantage of it.
1. Understand the Match Day Timeline
Match Day typically happens in mid-to-late March. Residents generally begin their programs in June or July, which means:
- Leasing decisions will happen fast
- These residents are under pressure to find housing in a brand-new city
- They’re looking for places that make their lives easier and more comfortable
2. Launch Targeted Campaigns Right Away
Run hyper-targeted digital ads and email campaigns that speak directly to newly matched residents. Highlight proximity to hospitals, flexibility in move-in dates, and anything you offer that makes relocation easier.
Great ad messaging examples:
- “Matched in [City]? We’ve got your next home.”
- “Quiet, comfortable, close to the hospital.”
- “Meet fellow residents & settle in before your program starts.”
Don’t forget flyers and direct outreach to local medical schools and residency program offices.
3. Partner with Nearby Hospitals and Schools
Reach out to GME (Graduate Medical Education) departments and hospital HR teams. Many are happy to share a list of preferred housing options with their incoming residents.
Offer to:
- Waive admin/application fees for matched residents
- Create a custom move-in package
- Host welcome events or info sessions
4. Showcase the Right Features
Medical residents have unique needs. Here are a few things to highlight in your listings and tours:
- Soundproof walls or quiet units (critical for sleeping during the day)
- Fast maintenance response
- Fitness center or yoga room to de-stress
- Resident Events to meet new people in a new city
- A resident engagement app to simplify tasks like packages, bookings, and communication
5. Create Community and Support
Most residents are relocating solo to a completely new city. Help them settle in with:
- New resident mixers or coffee meetups
- Group events like local walking tours or “Explore the Neighborhood”
- Bulletin boards or resident feeds to connect with neighbors
Bonus: If you use a resident engagement platform like Flamingo, many of these can be automated or resident-initiated.
6. Offer Flexible Lease Options
Not all residents start at the same time. Offering:
- Pro-rated rents
- Early move-in specials
- Furnished short-term leases can go a long way in removing friction.
Final Thoughts: Residency = Long-Term Residents
Medical residents often sign 2 to 4-year leases and are typically stable, responsible tenants. Winning them now means high resident retention and lower turnover.
Don’t let this window pass you by.
