Student housing trends for 2020 | More amenities in residence halls Posted on December 10, 2019December 12, 2019 by Border States In order to attract and retain top enrollment prospects in 2020 and beyond, universities are looking to construction companies to implement amenity-rich student housing trends. Typical college dorms are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Schools see state-of-the-art residence hall designs as a way to bolster lifestyles and productivity levels on campus, transforming the way students live, work, play and communicate. 5 student housing trends for contractors to watch for Modern, innovative and collaborative community spaces are in. Colleges are becoming more interested in constructing these indoor and outdoor spaces to better foster social engagement and educational success for students. The idea is for these spaces to include favorable amenities, such as lounges with updated furniture, cafés, snack bars, recreation areas, study spaces, laundry access, outdoor pools, patios and more. Additionally, more students are expecting gender inclusivity, meaning coed designs. Ultimately, it’s important to construct an environment where students to feel comfortable, safe, connected and productive. Students value increased privacy. While today’s students want collaboration, they also appreciate a certain level of privacy. Many of them grew up never having to share a bedroom or bathroom, and they want that same level of privacy at college. While the roommate scenario won’t likely go away completely, suites that give students their own spaces and noise control solutions are becoming more popular. Green features are in high demand. Many of today’s students have grown up amid increased discussions about environmental responsibility, which is why many colleges are looking to incorporate state-of-the-art green features in their building designs. Universities want their buildings to promote discussion and collaboration around helping the planet. Some eco-friendly construction options might include rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances, low-flow shower heads and toilets and plenty of recycling areas. In many cases, these amenities can help provide long-term financial savings for schools, as well. Wi-Fi access should be everywhere. Smartphones, tablets, computers and other devices are a huge part of the student lifestyle. Students expect to be able to connect to high-speed internet anywhere on campus so they can be constantly connected to the digital world. Build up instead of out. When considering variables like parking, sidewalks and other outreaching infrastructure, choosing to build up instead of constructing multiple buildings outward makes better use of land. It also helps save money by using less material. Related posts Road construction safety plan | 6 tips for protecting highway workers Hard hat safety | Head protection tips with PPE basics, OSHA guidelines
