Times are changing and so are student housing needs among the newer generations. It is important to keep commercial buildings up to date with what students want as well as the needs that appear in our current world. Let’s take a look at some ways you can remain on top before the new semester begins.
Non-Negotiables for Student Housing
When building adequate student housing there are some baselines to cover. In today’s world, nothing works without electricity, and for that it is necessary to have something that can’t be overlooked: plugs. There need to be enough to accommodate the amount of students living in each room. At least one per person should be the standard.
Not providing proper plugging will make the occupants buy extension cords that when overused or improperly managed can become fire hazards. It’s better to invest in safety and comfort than fire repairs.
The kitchen is also a place where proper electrical connections are a must as electrical appliances become the norm. Think of reworking your electricity system if you find it’s lacking in your latest check-over.
The second non-negotiable for university and college students today is a Wifi connection. Almost all of their educational activities will require them to have a stable internet connection: assignments, group projects, not to mention design or programming majors who cannot work without specific computer platforms.
The Gen-z Student’s Priorities
Studies have shown that in today’s college generation, at least 62% of them strive to lower their expenses, rent being one of the things they look to save in. Luxury additions to the living space that drive up maintenance costs for you and for the students’ rent are not going to attract as many new residents as you might expect.
Instead of that, focus on having your living space in the best possible condition. Practicality over showing off. Make sure all the showers, bathrooms, sinks etc. are working properly, and update the sewer and electrical systems to keep them from aging.
You can contact us if you are in Houston to upkeep your residence into the best commercial construction standards
Students will appreciate comfortable and most of all functional facilities that don’t give them trouble. It helps them focus on their studying rather than losing sleep over a leaky faucet.
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The Need for Community and Privacy
When renewing student housing spaces, the issue of how to distribute them is two-fold. On one hand, private spaces are important for everyone. On the other, there is an increasing need for community building within Gen-z. Let’s take a look at how you can update to fit these needs:
The Need for Privacy
Especially in bathrooms and showers, it’s important to provide the residents as much privacy as possible. Students won’t necessarily build bonds with everyone they live with and will want some measure of divide.
Most commercial buildings designed for college housing don’t have enough space for private bathrooms or showers, but you can add some renovations like doors or divisions between showerheads to improve these spaces.
The Need for Community
Gen-Z recognizes the importance of third spaces. Places built for relaxing and sharing in a group of people. With mental health being a big concern in this generation, providing or renovating parts of the building for this purpose will improve the lived experience for the students.
A Warmer World’s Requirements
Houston has experienced 4 of it’s highest temperatures ever recorded in the 2020s. Global warming also changes the way we think of commercial building, and prioritizing proper air conditioning and ventilation in the face of rising heat is thinking towards the future.
Today’s students are also deeply concerned about the environment, and catering towards that by engaging in eco-friendly renovations can help reach out to the younger generation when looking to promote your housing complex.
A Company With Experience in Commercial Building in Houston
We can help you keep up with all the new challenges that building and renovating for this generation can bring. Student housing is complex because of all the people and accommodations that must be done to offer an attractive place to live for them.
We have experience in apartment complexes and offices, and we are licensed to take care of any interior or exterior modifications that you want to make.
Start your consultation today, and get ahead of the trends that dictate the market.