In the evolving landscape of higher education, student housing is no longer viewed merely as a place to sleep and store belongings. Increasingly, it is recognized as a critical factor in promoting student mental health and well-being.
As awareness grows around the mental health challenges that students face, colleges and universities are reimagining residential spaces to provide not just shelter, but also community, support, and opportunities for emotional and psychological growth.
Thoughtfully planned environments can significantly reduce stress, foster relaxation, and encourage positive social connections. Through intentional design, universities have the power to create spaces that promote safety, comfort, and connection—ultimately helping students succeed both academically and personally.
A 2024 study by U.S. News revealed that nearly 70% of college students have struggled with their mental health since beginning their academic journeys, citing anxiety, stress, and depression as top concerns. Compounding this issue is the fact that many students are unlikely to seek help, making the role of design even more important. While no space can solve these challenges outright, poor design can certainly intensify them, whereas thoughtful design can serve as a supportive, preventative tool.
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the urgency. Students today need environments that are not only physically safe but also emotionally resilient. Whether through renovation or new construction, several key architectural elements can serve as touchpoints for supporting student wellness.
1. Privacy that Promotes Comfort and Control
A foundational component of mental well-being in student housing is privacy. While building codes typically require windows for emergency egress, optimal design should go beyond compliance to prioritize access to natural light and views of restorative outdoor settings. Whether students overlook a green courtyard, or a busy street can dramatically influence their personal comfort. In cases where views can’t be altered, strategic use of privacy-enhancing elements like window treatments can still make a difference.
Equally important is the design of private bathroom facilities. Single-use toilet and bathing spaces provide students with a greater sense of security and autonomy. These features are especially vital for LGBTQ+ students, including those who identify as transgender or non-binary, who may feel vulnerable in shared spaces. At Forbes Hall, for instance, DesignGroup collaborated with the University of Pittsburgh to introduce single-use bathrooms to shared residential areas, giving students private, secure options that contribute to their overall well-being.
In communal living settings, it’s also essential to integrate semi-private areas where students can retreat for quiet study, reflection, or personal conversation—spaces that foster mental clarity and emotional regulation away from the demands of shared living.
2. Designing for Community and Connection
Student housing should be more than a place to sleep—it should be a space that invites community. Environments that support social interaction, shared experiences, and organic relationship-building contribute to a sense of stability, belonging, and emotional resilience.
In projects like Forbes Hall and University Club at the University of Pittsburgh, the design incorporated dedicated areas for studying and socializing. These spaces naturally encourage camaraderie, trust, and supportive peer networks. The result is not only stronger interpersonal connections, but a living environment that nurtures students’ overall mental health.
In higher education, real estate is often seen as a driver of revenue. But prioritizing student well-being through inclusive, community-oriented design can be a game-changer—often influencing whether students feel supported enough to persist in their college journey.
3. Prioritizing Inclusion and Equity
Equity and inclusion must be foundational principles in student housing design. Students come from diverse cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and neurodiverse backgrounds, and design must reflect that diversity with intentionality.
Inclusive environments make space for everyone. That means providing accessible layouts, incorporating culturally relevant elements, and supporting different communication and socialization styles. Multi-use areas that can shift to meet the varying needs of residents—from group study sessions to quiet reflection—create flexibility without sacrificing community.
A truly equitable approach also means thinking beyond who is already present and asking: Who might feel left out? Whose voices are we not hearing? Through this lens, we can shape spaces that support the broadest range of student identities and lived experiences.
4. Creating a Sense of Belonging
Creating inclusive environments also means supporting neurodiverse students. These students may experience the world in ways that differ from neurotypical peers—and housing should reflect that reality.
Design strategies can include quiet zones with controlled lighting and acoustics for students who are hypersensitive to stimuli. For those who are hyposensitive, furniture that encourages movement, such as rocking chairs or spaces that allow fidgeting and doodling, can provide essential sensory input. Additionally, flexible furniture and adjustable spaces empower students to personalize their environment based on how they feel and function best—supporting emotional regulation and cognitive well-being.
5. Listening to the Student Voice
Perhaps one of the most powerful tools in designing successful student housing is including students in the process. By gathering feedback through surveys, town halls, and informal discussions, designers can better understand the lived experiences of students—and build accordingly.
Providing platforms for students to express their opinions fosters a sense of ownership and connection. Whether it's through interactive planning sessions or simple QR code feedback prompts posted around campus, these opportunities allow student voices to shape the spaces they inhabit, ensuring that housing reflects actual needs—not just theoretical ones.
6. A Human-Centered Future
At the heart of all of this is a human-centered approach. Every decision in student housing design should be filtered through the lens of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Who are we designing for—and who might be left out? How can we ensure as many student voices and experiences are represented as possible?
By centering design around comfort, connection, and care, universities can foster environments that promote not only academic success but also personal growth, emotional resilience, and community building. Student housing should be more than just a place to live—it should be a catalyst for well-being, inclusion, and meaningful human connection.
