How Off-Campus Housing Providers Can Deliver More for Student Residents

The Growing Need for Off-Campus Housing

There is a convergence of factors challenging student housing providers at present. The cost of tuition at public 4-year institutions is rapidly ballooning, which means students and their parents are more cost-conscious than ever. Meanwhile, some universities are overflowing with first-year students, requiring more off-campus housing: Louisiana State University offered students a $3000 incentive to live off-campus;¹ Ann Arbor city officials are working to adjust the zoning and permitting process to speed up the approval process for more housing;² and Santa Cruz just signed a 30-year lease for homes under construction near the Coastal Rail Trail in Westside Santa Cruz, which will be rented to UCSC students and staff.³

All of this presents a unique opportunity for off-campus student housing operators: the ability to solve for on-campus housing challenges so long as these student housing communities can successfully articulate the value of their community experience and amenities to prospective student residents.

10 Amenities to Implement that Deliver More for Student Residents

Investors have already noticed the shortage of housing close to campus. In 2023, the sector attracted $5.7 billion in U.S. investments.⁴ In Bloomington, Indiana, a behemoth of a high-rise went up with 1,000 beds—almost twice the size of a typical dorm at Indiana University. More interesting is that the Standard is more like a resort than a dorm, with pickleball courts, a dog park, and a yoga studio.⁵

Here are 10 amenities to introduce to attract and retain student residents:

1. Smart Tech

In an era where academic life is increasingly digital, high-speed internet has become the most critical infrastructure for modern student housing. Students now view robust, free Wi-Fi as essential, seamlessly connecting their educational experiences across devices and spaces. At The 87, near the University of Notre Dame, Holy Cross, and St. Mary’s College, smart TVs also appeal to residents.⁶

2. Smart Locks

Residents have witnessed the adoption of smart locks in hotels and single-family homes around the country. Embracing a keyless entry system boosts confidence, as residents know fewer copies of their home keys are circulating.

3. Smart Thermostats

Thanks to the national introduction of Nest, students today want the convenience of accessing and controlling their heating and air conditioning from their smartphones. Setting various temperatures for daytime, nighttime, or when away assists with energy efficiency.

4. Communal Areas

Community development is key when living off campus. At oLiv in Madison, Wisconsin, home to the University of Wisconsin, there are co-working spaces and a coffee shop to spur interaction. The Rambler in Athens, adjacent to the University of Georgia, also boasts collaborative conference areas.⁷ Even game rooms offer the opportunity to connect.

5. Hotel Luxuries

Spas, saunas, pools, and gyms transform resident housing into luxurious experiences. The Standard in Eugene, Oregon, near the University of Oregon, offers a rooftop swimming pool, grilling areas, and cabanas. An over-the-top living arrangement is found at VERVE in Madison, with a whopping 10,000 square feet of amenities, including a rooftop garden, pools, and stunning views of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.⁸

6. Wellness & Fitness Areas

Modern off-campus housing is revolutionizing student wellness by transforming fitness spaces into comprehensive lifestyle destinations. Beyond traditional gym equipment, these residential complexes offer holistic wellness experiences, including yoga studios, rock climbing walls, and dedicated meditation areas. These diverse fitness options reflect a growing student preference for integrated wellness environments that support physical and mental health.

7. Pet-Friendly Features

Many off-campus rentals highlight amenities that welcome furry friends, such as dog parks, grooming services, and pet-walker access.

8. Outdoor Spaces

Nestled beside Lake Howell, a new development near Clemson University transforms student living with its spectacular outdoor-focused amenities. The property boasts a pristine 12-slip marina that invites boating enthusiasts to explore the lake’s serene waters. At the same time, a resort-style pool with luxurious cabanas provides an open-air sanctuary for relaxation and socializing. An expansive dog park offers four-legged residents a chance to play and exercise, and a dedicated outdoor yoga studio allows students to practice mindfulness surrounded by natural beauty.

9. Amenity Reservations

Just as modern workplaces have adopted flexible “hoteling” strategies for workspace allocation, student housing embraces a similar approach to room and resource reservations. Today’s college students expect a seamless digital experience that guarantees access to critical campus amenities. Online reservation systems for private study rooms, quiet workspaces, and fitness classes have become more than a convenience; they are now essential for contemporary student living.

10. Smart Lockers

Online ordering and the resulting surge in the need for smart package management aren’t going away soon. In fact, the need for managing larger packages is increasing as students order everything from bedding to lighting to mattresses to their new homes. Lindsey Bright, Vice President of Operations at Subtext, owns and operates student housing in St. Louis, explains her solution this way: “We’ve moved to a hybrid approach of a moderate number of lockers coupled with a large package room, all managed through one software to maintain the same convenience level for our residents. We expect to maintain our design for years to come and have added standard refrigerators in our package rooms to accommodate perishable deliveries.”

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As universities face demographic challenges and student competition intensifies, housing providers who innovate with smart amenities, flexible spaces, and holistic lifestyle solutions will be best positioned to attract and retain the next generation of college residents.

Ready to lock in your package management solution? Speak with a Parcel Pending representative today.

Sources:

1. Farrar, G. & Ford, A. LSU turns to off-campus, alternative housing to lodge swelling number of freshman students. lsureveille.com. September 5, 2024. https://lsureveille.com/240734/news/lsu-turns-to-off-campus-alternative-housing-to-lodge-swelling-number-of-freshmen-students/
2. Spector, Alexis. New South U developments provide more off-campus housing, but UMich students remain concerned about affordability. www.michigandaily.com. November 25, 2024. https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/new-south-u-developments-provide-more-off-campus-housing-but-umich-students-remain-concerned-about-affordability/
3. Altenberg, Nik. UC Santa Cruz adds off-campus housing as lawsuit drags on. santacruzlocal.org. August 15, 2024. https://santacruzlocal.org/2024/08/15/uc-santa-cruz-adds-off-campus-housing-as-lawsuits-drag-on/
4. Statista Research Department. Value of investment transactions in student housing in the U.S. from 2014 to 2023. www.statista.com. December 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035009/student-housing-investment-usa/
5. Williams, Kevin. Student Housing Has a New Mantra: Bigger Is Better. www.nytimes.com. February 13, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/13/business/student-housing-off-campus-real-estate.html
6. Serlin, Christine. 5 Student Housing Developments That Make the Grade. www.multifamilyexecutive.com. October 8, 2024. https://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/design-development/5-student-housing-developments-that-make-the-grade_o
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Anderson, Bendix. Multifamily Properties Face Flood of Packages. www.multifamilyexecutive.com. November 8, 2024. https://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/property-management/apartment-trends/multifamily-properties-face-flood-of-packages_o