It’s no secret that the cost of higher education is on the rise. According to Nelson Partners, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 school year was $33,480 at private colleges, $9,650 at public universities in-state residents, and $24,930 for public universities out-of-state residents.
With the rising costs of college, coupled with the fact that there are more than 20 million students enrolled in some form of higher education, it’s clear that many factors will be altered moving forward. Add on to this changing dynamic, disruptive technologies like self-driving cars and AI chatbots, and you have a very interesting picture of what student living might look like in 2022.
What will the future of student housing be in 2022? Here are some predictions from Nelson Partners
1) The on-campus student housing model will continue to decline in popularity.
On-campus housing is declining as students look for more affordable and flexible options. In addition, with the advent of online learning, many students are able to complete their coursework without having to live on campus. This is especially true for graduate students and working professionals who may only need access to campus facilities a few days a week.
2) The number of co-living spaces will increase.
As the cost of living increases for students, many universities are starting to explore co-living options. Co-living spaces allow multiple individuals to share a single home or apartment with access to shared dining areas and lounges. These communal environments enable budget-conscious students to find roommates regardless of their backgrounds.
3) On-campus dining will become more specialized.
On-campus dining is evolving to meet the needs of a more diverse student body. In addition to traditional dining options, universities are offering halal and kosher menus and vegan and vegetarian meal plans. Some schools are even starting to offer meal plans that include pre-packaged meals that can be heated up in a microwave or oven.
4) The use of AI chatbots will increase.
AI chatbots are becoming more common on college campuses as a way to provide students with quick and easy access to information. These bots can answer questions about classes, campus services, and student life. They can also help students connect with other students in their classes, university members, and alumni.
5) Self-driving cars will be used for student transportation.
Students are increasingly turning to car-sharing services over traditional methods of student transportation. In addition, the use of self-driving cars could free up valuable real estate currently being used for parking. By freeing up space in the parking lot, universities could make it easier for students to use car-sharing services.
6) The cost of furnished units will increase.
As the number of amenities available to students continues to rise, the cost of furnished units is also increasing. This includes everything from fridges and microwaves to chairs and TV’s. As a result, providing adequate entertainment options in the living space is becoming an important factor in the overall student experience.
7) The demand for pet-friendly units will increase.
As more and more students bring their pets to school, the demand for pet-friendly units is increasing. This means that universities will need to provide designated areas for pets to be exercised and relieve themselves. These added services will directly impact the cost of living, which means that students may need to prepare themselves for a possible rent increase.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Lifestyle category
Leave a Reply