Gen Z Students Look for "Alone-Together" Space in College Housing

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 01/18/22

Those students born between 1997 and 2012, otherwise known as Generation Z or Gen Zers, are redefining expectations for college housing and services, according to an architectural firm that specializes in working with colleges and universities.

In a recent appraisal, KWK Architects said Gen Z’s preferences are defined by a few distinct characteristics.

According to Principal Paul Wuennenberg, because they "have never known life before technology," these young people expect Wi-Fi and networking as part of the housing package. And because shopping online is their norm, residence halls need to accommodate the ability for them to receive deliveries and packages and have safe access to those 24/7.

UMN Pioneer Hall
Alone-together spaces will be part of new student housing projects, to cater to the current generation of college students. Source: KWK Architects

The universities Gen Zers attend should expect to incorporate digital means for support ("the heat isn't working," "Wi-Fi is down"), such as the use of apps to field student complaints and needs and communicate with students in real time, also 24/7.

In spite of the Gen Zer being "value conscious," having witnessed their Generation X parents struggle through the Great Recession, they're also willing to pay for amenities "and will pay more if they see it provides them value," Wuennenberg noted.

Providing spaces for gaming will also be important, since most of these students report that they game at least once a week.

Also, in spite of always having their devices close at hand, Gen Zers still want in-person communication and socialization. "Gen Z is more independent in their learning style, but they want to be in a communal space, not isolated – the concept of being 'alone together,'" as Wuennenberg explained.

He envisions greater demand for studio spaces and "micro units" in residence halls. Similarly, he anticipated that Gen Z students would want more opportunities to cook for themselves and social spaces where they can work in the “alone together” scenario.

"I think the combination of wanting privacy, having fewer people share restrooms, and the desire for maximizing value will encourage these types of units," he said. "Allowing them choices will be extremely important."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Kimball International Announces New, Updated Products

    Furnishings manufacturer Kimball International recently announced a series of new and enhanced products for use in education, office, and healthcare spaces, according to a news release.

  • diverse, simplified human figures in various colors seated around a curved table, with floating icons like light bulbs and speech bubbles above them

    Spaces4Learning Relaunches Advisory Board, Announces 12 Members

    Spaces4Learning is pleased to announce the relaunch of its advisory board and the introduction of its 12 distinguished members.

  • The Impact of School Security on Student Well-Being

    One of the most fundamental human requirements, as outlined in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is the provision of basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing. In school, this hierarchy of needs shifts to include the need for physical, mental, and emotional safety. The student mind is not biologically wired to deal with the negative impacts of unsafe environments, which implies that security has a major impact on student well-being.

  • Shaping Campus Identity: The Crucial Role of Landscape Architecture in Campus Design

    Landscape architecture plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience, functionality, and identity of college and university campuses. The design and layout of outdoor spaces influence everything from the interactions between students to the ease with which people navigate the campus. A thoughtfully designed campus provides not only a functional environment for daily activities but also a space that inspires academic success and fosters personal growth.