Student Housing: What Do Students Really Want?

In recent years, student housing has undergone a significant transformation. It has evolved from mere dormitories into integral components of the overall college experience. In this era of rapid technological advancements and growing environmental consciousness, students now have specific expectations for their living spaces.  

A recent study conducted by Allegion explores the desires and expectations of multifamily residents. It provides valuable insights that apply to multifamily living but also resonate with the needs of on-campus residents. Here’s a look at what modern students want from their housing and how institutions can strategically meet these demands. 

1.  The Rise of Proptech: Secure and Convenient Living 

In a world where technology has become a part of daily life, it’s no surprise that students expect their living spaces to adopt the latest advancements. The implementation of property technology, or proptech, is becoming increasingly crucial. This includes mobile access control, secure credentials, robust Wi-Fi, and innovative apps. All of these contribute to a seamless living and learning experience. 

The Allegion study highlights a growing demand for mobile access control among renters, with 60% expressing a preference for residences that offer this amenity. More intriguingly, over one-third of respondents indicated a willingness to pay extra for the convenience of mobile access. This underscores the importance of student housing investing in advanced technologies to enhance both security and convenience for their residents. 

The study has found residents put a higher priority on home security systems over fitness centers and pools. Less than 1 in 3 respondents say they feel secure in their home. Therefore, people will pay more for security cameras, mobile access control, and smart doorbells. Mobile access control offers a convenient way to access different areas of student housing. 

Live video monitoring is a pivotal aspect of this proptech transformation, providing residents and property managers with real-time surveillance capabilities. This proactive solution enhances security by allowing for immediate response to suspicious activities or emergencies, to help foster a safer living environment.  

Additionally, live video monitoring can also help ensure compliance with safety regulations. This integration of technology into property management not only elevates the standards of living but also can instill a sense of confidence and peace of mind among residents, knowing their homes are continuously monitored and secured. 

2. Building Community Through Technology

While technology has the potential to connect people across distances, it also plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community within student housing. The heart of student living lies in its ability to forge connections and create a supportive environment. Technology acts as the facilitator, transforming how students interact and build relationships. 

Social media platforms tailored for campus communities have become the new town squares, enabling students to join interest-based or course-related groups, share resources, and socialize.  

Virtual event platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, facilitate online gatherings, workshops, and group meetings, simulating the experience of in-person interactions. Collaborative study apps like Google Classroom, Discord, or Slack provide students with tools to collaborate on projects, share notes, and engage in academic discussions. 

These digital platforms are not mere tools for communication. They are the glue that binds modern student communities. They serve as the new-age student lounges, providing vital spaces for maintaining relationships and building supportive networks. By recognizing the transformative power of technology in community building, institutions can create living environments that go beyond the physical aspects of housing.

3. Elevating Campus Amenities with Next-Level Tech

Gone are the days when student housing was synonymous with basic amenities. Today’s students, raised in a digital age, seek futuristic and tech-driven facilities that enhance their overall living and learning experiences. Keyless entry systems, smart room controls, and AI-powered personal assistants are becoming standard features in student residences. 

Smart room control systems, for example, allow residents to manage various aspects of their living space remotely or through centralized panels. Smart thermostats, increasingly popular in college residences, offer eco-friendly options and adapt to students’ schedules for increased energy efficiency.  

The integration of AI in student housing, through virtual assistants and chatbots, provides round-the-clock support for various needs, from clarifying doubts about lease agreements to handling routine administrative tasks. 

Security is also a key consideration, with keyless entry systems using near-field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies revolutionizing student safety and convenience. These systems allow students to unlock their doors with a simple smartphone signal, significantly enhancing dorm security. 

These advancements not only offer convenience but also contribute to a safer and more comfortable living environment. Institutions need to stay ahead of the curve by integrating these tech-driven amenities, not only to attract students but also to retain them throughout their academic journey.

4. Prioritizing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

The global shift towards sustainable practices has permeated every aspect of people’s lives, and student housing is no exception. Modern students are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, and they expect their living spaces to reflect these values. As such, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity in modern student housing design. 

Energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources like solar panels, and water-saving technologies are increasingly commonplace in student residences. Using LED lighting, Energy Star-rated appliances, and smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy usage. Some student housing complexes even include lighting that turns off automatically when no motion is detected. 

Water conservation is another critical aspect of sustainable student housing. Low-flow showerheads, dual flush toilets, and touchless faucets help reduce water usage. Rainwater harvesting systems, collecting rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation, further contribute to the overall sustainability of the facility. 

In addition to energy and water conservation, the use of sustainable materials is gaining prominence. Locally sourced, recycled, and low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials are being incorporated into student housing design. Bamboo floors, recycled content carpeting, and low VOC paints are examples of sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact. 

The upward trend in green living in student housing reflects a broader societal shift towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. Institutions that prioritize sustainability meet the expectations of environmentally conscious students as well as contribute to a global movement towards a more sustainable future.

5. Offering Flexible Housing Arrangements

Flexibility has become a cornerstone of modern student housing. Recognizing the diverse needs of students, institutions are moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches to provide adaptable living spaces. Modular study pods, convertible furniture, sliding partitions, and shared common areas with private nooks are examples of adaptable living solutions that cater to individual preferences. 

Modular study pods, for instance, are individual study units that can be reconfigured or moved to create private study areas or open collaborative spaces. Convertible furniture, such as beds that fold into sofas and collapsible desks, maximizes space utility.  

Sliding partitions offer the flexibility to transform a single large room into multiple private areas or vice versa. Large communal spaces designed with secluded corners or nooks provide both social interaction and opportunities for solitary activities. 

Adaptability extends beyond physical spaces to living arrangements. Modern student housing leaders recognize the importance of privacy and personalization. This is evident in the shift from double to single occupancy rooms and the inclusion of private bathrooms in student apartments. By offering a variety of housing arrangements, universities create spaces that evolve with students throughout their academic journey. 

The demands of modern students for their housing extend beyond the traditional concept of forms. To attract and retain residents, universities must embrace the latest trends in technology, sustainability, and flexibility.  

Student Housing Must Adapt to Changing Technology 

These trends aren’t just preferences. They are indicative of a broader shift in the expectations of the modern student. The Allegion study on multi-family living trends provides valuable insights into the desires of today’s residents, and these findings have significant implications for on-campus housing. 

To meet the demands of contemporary students, universities must embrace proptech, prioritize community-building through technology, elevate campus amenities with cutting-edge tech solutions, incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly design principles, and offer flexible housing arrangements.  

By doing so, institutions can create secure student housing living spaces that provide a secure and convenient environment while contributing to a sense of community, fostering academic success, and aligning with the growing importance of sustainability. 

The integration of advanced technologies, such as AI-driven virtual assistants, not only enhances security and convenience but also reflects the digital habits of modern students. Building community through digital platforms ensures that student housing is not just a place to stay but a vibrant community that supports and enriches the overall college experience. 

Next-level tech-driven amenities, including smart room controls and keyless entry systems, contribute to a safer and more comfortable living environment. These features go beyond meeting basic needs. They create a tech-savvy living space that aligns with the expectations of today’s students, who are accustomed to the conveniences of the digital age. 

Sustainable and eco-friendly design elements in student housing not only contribute to global environmental efforts but also instill a sense of environmental responsibility in students. The use of energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources, water conservation measures, and sustainable materials demonstrates a commitment to creating living spaces that prioritize both the well-being of residents and the planet. 

Institutions that understand and respond to these trends will not only create safer and smarter buildings but also improve student health and retention rates. The future of student housing lies in a holistic approach that combines advanced technology, community-building, cutting-edge amenities, sustainability, and flexibility.  

By meeting the demands of modern students, universities can create living spaces that enhance the overall college experience and contribute to the success and well-being of their residents. 

To learn more about security for student housing communities, get the free Complete Guide to Securing a Residential Building. To find the right security partner, use this video surveillance checklist, or contact us.  

 

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