News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
As universities grapple with rising student demand for affordable yet private housing, many institutions are adapting their housing strategies to align with evolving student preferences. A recent report in Student Housing Business explores how colleges and universities are revisiting traditional housing models to balance affordability with personal space needs.
One major trend is a shift toward housing designs that cater to different stages of the student lifecycle. First-year students, for example, benefit from community-oriented housing that fosters social interaction, while upperclassmen increasingly seek private accommodations. Institutions are now incorporating a mix of communal and private living spaces to meet these changing demands.
Andrea Becker, an associate with B&D’s higher education practice, highlights how universities are structuring housing to provide progressive levels of privacy as students advance through their academic careers. She notes that while affordability remains a key concern, institutions must also acknowledge that students increasingly view personal space as a necessity rather than a luxury. This perspective aligns with broader industry insights suggesting that private bedrooms and in-suite bathrooms are becoming standard expectations in modern student housing developments.
The article also discusses the challenges universities face in meeting demand for private accommodations, particularly for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and students with families. Many institutions, it notes, do not have sufficient housing stock to support these groups, leading students to navigate the competitive off-campus rental market.
Additionally, the report explores how mental health and well-being have become focal points in student housing design. Residence life teams are now integrating wellness initiatives, crisis support systems, and community-building programs to ensure that students not only have a place to live but also access to essential resources that support their academic and personal growth.
Click here to read the full article in the January/February issue of Student Housing Business (starts on page 57).
