How to use smart QR codes on campus: 5 ways

More and more higher education institutions are wising up to the merits of mobile technology on campus. Not only does it reach students where they’re most comfortable—their smartphone—but it’s adapted to modern lifestyles.
In particular, QR codes have taken center stage in the last four years. These scannable black-and-white squares are highly flexible. Users can seamlessly transition from offline to online experiences, and they appeal to younger generations. Half of Gen Z and millennials use them at least once a week.
That’s why they’re increasingly popular at educational sites. Smart QR codes combine the power of personalization with the dynamism of updated destinations. To help you implement smart QR codes in your student outreach, here’s everything you need to know about how to use them on college campuses.

How smart QR codes optimize the user experience
First, let’s explain what smart QR codes are. A smart QR code looks and scans like every other QR code, but stands out with these key features.
- Targeting metrics for personalized outreach: Smart QR codes allow creators to implement various targeting metrics such as timezone, device language, user location, and more. These parameters direct users to web pages that resonate with their specific interests and behaviors.
- Dynamic destination updates: Smart QR codes can direct users to different destinations depending upon the administrator’s input. This flexibility extends a QR code’s functionality since it can direct users to various relevant web pages over time.
- Trackable insights for attribution: Each scan of a smart QR code relays key metrics such as the time of day scanned, the referral source, country of origin, and device type. These insights allow administrators to learn more about their demographics—as well as measure the success of ongoing campaigns—so they can learn and make relevant changes for future ones.
These features integrate perfectly with the QR code’s growing popularity and relative ease of use. By optimizing the user experience, smart QR codes boost engagement, increase conversion rates, and deepen the relationship between end users.
Ready to learn more? Here are five use cases for smart QR codes on campus.
#1: Transitioning students from offline to online content
It’s no secret that college students love their phones: One study estimates the average college student spends eight to ten hours a day on their device. Colleges can lean into that trend by using smart QR codes to transition students from offline to online content.
Simply install them in key locations such as outdoor landmarks and banners, or print them on relevant materials like flyers and admissions pamphlets. When users scan, they’ll receive information on the site of interest, the institution and its history, its admission process, or other pertinent knowledge.
Dickinson College even runs a self-guided QR code tour. Each scan reveals different information on notable spots on campus. Users can access multimedia content such as videos, photo galleries, and links to learn more.
#2: Bridging the language barrier between nations
When scanned, smart QR codes can pull up web pages in the preferred language of a user’s device. This feature is especially helpful for international students who don’t speak English as a first language but need to access essential information.
It’s easy to design this type of smart QR code. Administrators simply set that parameter in the online portal. When scanned, the smart QR code will relay the web page in the preferred language of a device’s browser. Administrators can also personalize a smart QR code to relay content specific to people from certain countries.
This feature can be used for orientations, graduations, or any event where attendees speak different languages. That includes conferences that invite contributors from all over the world.
#3: Streamlining student events
Student events often require participants to fill out forms before, during, or after the event. In these instances, smart QR codes are helpful tools for organizing and gathering key information.
Administrators can create a smart QR code that directs people to a landing page with an intake form. Event participants scan the code, fill out the required information, and hit submit. Event organizers immediately receive their response. They also gain insights into key metrics such as when the smart QR code was scanned, where it was scanned, and how many people scanned it. This helps them understand participant behavior and organize future events.
While this feature can be used for anything, it’s especially beneficial with large events. Instead of having people wait in line to fill out a form, they can scan a smart QR code and submit the required information where and when it works best for them to do so.

#4: Expanding educational opportunities
Because students spend so much time on their phones, it only makes sense to incorporate smart QR codes into educational materials. Instructors can add QR codes to course syllabuses or install them in an easy-to-see place in the classroom. When scanned, students can access course materials online.
This feature makes it easier for students to stay organized. It also creates more flexibility than traditional methods—such as printing and handing out papers—because smart QR codes are dynamic. That means the scanned destination can be changed over time.
An instructor can update the smart QR code’s destination to reflect changes to course material. One week might educate students on the course syllabus; the next might include a homework assignment. The possibilities are both limitless and easy to implement.
#5: Curating student life
Students live busy day-to-day lives. From the dining hall to the library, the dorm room to the student center, they are involved with many different activities. This makes it easy for them to lose track of things—including their student ID.
Many institutions require student ID to access key places on campus. But what if students could use their phones instead? This would simplify day-to-day activities and also allow administrators to gather key insights, thanks to the trackable metrics provided by a smart QR code.
Smart QR codes can also be installed in common areas to provide essential information. For instance, they can be placed next to dishes in the dining hall so that students with food allergies can scan and see a list of ingredients. Or, a QR code on a building entrance can list hours and special events so students stay informed. Once again, the options are endless.
SiteDetour makes it easy to integrate smart QR codes on campus. Our easy-to-use platform empowers you to design a smart QR code campaign in minutes. Users can implement 28 targeting metrics, such as time of day, device type, preferred language, and more to create targeted, personalized campaigns. This ensures that each campaign delivers relevant content to appropriate users, boosting engagement and conversion rates.
Want to learn more? Get started today with a demo or a free trial.
Similar Articles
Ready To Manage Your Links More Effectively?
Our team is ready to help you manage your links more efficiently so you can get back to what it is you do best!