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

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

  • EPA to Provide $26M in Grants to Protect School, Child Care Drinking Water

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it will award $26 million in grant funding to test and fix lead-contaminated water at U.S. schools and childcare centers, according to local news.

  • Image credit: O

    Strategic Campus Assessment: Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance in Educational Facilities

    While campuses may appear stable on the surface, building systems naturally evolve over time, and proactive assessment can identify developing issues before they become expensive emergencies. The question isn't whether aging educational facilities need attention. It's how institutions can transition from costly reactive maintenance to strategic asset management in a way that protects both budgets and communities.

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

Digital Edition