Page 16 - College Planning & Management, April 2017

As we do each year, College Planning & Management recently surveyed college and university housing administrators to find out what challenges they are facing, the state of their facilities and what improvements they would like to see in their residential life programs and buildings. Here are some results from that survey.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO INCOMING STUDENTS HAVE FOR ON-CAMPUS HOUSING?
BIG ONES. THEY WANT IT ALL. “It” being privacy; convenience; lots of space; cutting-edge technology (and the very best WiFi); cable TV; their own kitchens, laundry facilities and bathrooms; comfortable, quality furniture; close access to food service; air con- ditioning; a rec center; attentive housing staff; and their own parking space... right outside the door. And they want this “resort experience” at an affordable price.
As Mick Jagger and his bandmates reminded us long before today’s students were in this world, however: you can’t always get what you want.
When College Planning & Management asked campus housing directors and administrators the question concerning what expectations students have for housing, the dissonance between the list of students’ de- sired amenities and what housing directors are currently able to provide or are focused on providing — a sufficient number of beds, roofs that don’t leak, mechanical system upgrades (HVAC, lighting, etc.), remodeled bathrooms, life-safety additions/upgrades, etc. — was substantial.
When asked to rate the impact several issues will have on housing at their institutions in the next three to five years, over half of survey
HOUSING SURVEY
Campus Housing: ExpECtations vs. REality
By sHannon o’ConnoR
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