Modern students expect more from their living spaces.
Many people hear “student housing” and think “cheap, standardized, bare-bones living.” We tend to think of institutional-style dormitories, with painted cinder blocks, threadbare carpets, and fluorescent lighting. This doesn’t have to be the case, though—and we’re seeing a major shift in how developers and renovators are infusing luxury into student living quarters.
The student housing market has changed significantly in the last decade. Students have more housing options, both on and off campus. They’re also likely to pay more for housing than the average family, which means their expectations are higher than ever before.
Students and their parents now look for luxury experiences in these spaces the same way they would in any other apartment setting. Here’s how you can instill luxury that lasts in a space that’s meant for constant turnover.
How to create luxury that lasts
Student housing operates differently compared to other multifamily spaces. On average, tenants are in place for 9-12 months, then move on. This high turnover can create significant wear and tear on a property, which could explain why luxury hasn’t been a focus of student housing in the past.
However, building owners have access to more building materials than ever before, including durable options that look classy and are easy to care for. Durable materials and designs that are still luxurious are key to creating a high-end ambiance that students will appreciate
Examples include:
- Wood
- Stone
- Stainless steel
- Bamboo
- Granite
- Precast concrete
- Aluminum wall sheets
Many of these materials can be used in multiple ways, from wall coverings to furnishings. And mixing multiple types of media in the same space can lead to a unique aesthetic that feels intentional.
Multipurpose elements elevate design
The secret to student housing luxury isn’t just in the materials; it’s in how you use those materials to create spaces that students want to spend time in. You’ll also need to consider how students utilize various amenity spaces within housing facilities (e.g., common rooms, communal kitchens, study desks, personal spaces) and how luxury elements can enhance those experiences.
Similar to other forms of luxury housing, your student housing design options should maximize available space while being cross-functional. The common room is a classic example—you can use modular furniture that can create long couches, small group chat circles, or individual seats that can also be moved around gaming stations or fire pits. Modular designs can allow for endless configurations, which may change the perceptions of the room based on how people are using it at any given time. These pieces can also feel high-end when they’re part of an intentional design and not just piecemealed together without a plan.
Most of our current and previous student housing projects that are new developments can be considered luxury. Let’s break down a few examples.
Campus Heights
Earth tones complement metal accents and a variety of textures that allow for visual separation within a large space. Collections of tables, chairs, and couches create varied seating arrangements, yet also look like they belong together. This is an example of our custom unit furniture packages, which offer attractive yet durable furniture for student housing.
Greene Crossing
Bold colors, wall murals, and a variety of seating options create an inviting vibe for students. We focused on indoor amenities like TVs, game tables, and fitness centers. Geometric patterns and fun color schemes cater to younger tenants. We also prioritized high-end unit finishes that would provide durability through years of turnovers.
The Walk Tuscaloosa
The clubhouse-style design is geared toward socialization. Outside, you’ll find resort-style amenities like a pool and pergola, multiple loungers, and an outdoor grilling area. Inside, we chose a neutral palette with pops of color from the light fixtures and furniture to create a warm yet professional look.
Balancing aesthetics and durability is achievable
Student housing can be a luxury experience if you understand what today’s students need, want, and expect from their housing. Since students typically pay more for a shared space than many families do for a space of their own, they deserve to have housing that meets their heightened expectations. Luckily, there are ways to make this happen while still keeping in mind the need for durability and affordability in finishes.