Student Housing Sector Makes Strong Post-Pandemic Recovery
College campuses are coming back to life after years of strict COVID-19 restrictions and remote learning ordinances, and an increase in enrollment is creating new demand for student housing
Sept. 20, 2022
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At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across the U.S. paused all on-campus activity and switched to remote learning, forcing thousands of students to leave student housing and return home. Two years later, enrollment outlook is strong, on-campus occupancies are growing at a rapid clip, and pre-leasing is up 10% year-over-year as of July, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting.
With increased demand also comes a shift in housing development, leading to more pedestrian-friendly dormitory communities and apartment complexes. Increased enrollment also means that colleges and universities are building more student housing complexes and investing more money in new renovations and amenities.
In the past 10 to 15 years, student housing has become more pedestrian-friendly.
When land is scarce, student housing can be very vertical, and not just in urban centers.
Complexes with 500–1,000 units are most efficiently managed.
Since private student housing is not usually on campus, having access to shuttles and buses is key, particularly in cold winter climes.
