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In student housing, amenities are more than a checklist of features — they’re strategic assets. From quiet study lounges to modern fitness centers and vibrant outdoor spaces, the amenities you invest in can directly influence student satisfaction, lease renewals, and long-term occupancy trends.
But which upgrades deliver the greatest return? And how can you ensure your next improvement aligns with what students value most?
At COCM, our experience managing student housing on campuses nationwide has revealed consistent patterns in what works — and what resonates. While outcomes vary by campus and market, one thing is clear: amenities that support academic success, wellness, and community-building are more than just “nice-to-haves.” They’re catalysts for retention.
📚 Study Lounges: Quiet Spaces, Clear Value
Students are balancing more than ever — coursework, jobs, and mental health needs all intersect in their living environment. That’s why study spaces consistently rank high in student satisfaction surveys.
Institutions that have repurposed underutilized lounges or lobbies into quiet study zones often report an increase in resident engagement. These spaces tend to:
- Attract upper-division students who value academic focus
- Serve as marketing points during tours
- Reinforce the university’s academic mission
Even small changes — like adding whiteboards, good lighting, and extended hours — can help signal to students that their success is supported outside the classroom.
🏋️ Fitness Centers: Wellness as a Differentiator
Post-pandemic, student expectations around health and wellness have shifted dramatically. Properties that invest in upgraded or expanded fitness facilities often report:
- Higher engagement with amenities
- Increased tour conversions
- Stronger renewal rates among wellness-focused students
Modern, inclusive fitness spaces that accommodate cardio, strength, and mindfulness practices not only appeal to prospective residents — they help build a sense of belonging and care.
🌳 Outdoor Spaces: Where Community Happens
Outdoor amenities are often overlooked, but they remain among the most affordable — and impactful — upgrades you can make. A well-designed courtyard, patio, or green space can:
- Increase day-to-day use of common areas
- Encourage spontaneous social interaction
- Provide low-barrier gathering spots for student programming
In many student surveys, outdoor spaces are frequently cited as “reasons I felt at home.” The ROI here is cultural as well as operational.
🎯 How We Approach It at COCM
We don’t believe in upgrades for upgrades’ sake.
Through our Fresh Eyes Consulting program, we work closely with our institutional partners to assess existing spaces, survey student preferences, and co-create amenity strategies that support campus goals. We bring a campus-first lens — focused on stewardship, intentionality, and outcomes.
We also look beyond the visual impact of amenities to how they fit into a broader story of student success and retention.
🏆 The Real Payback: Renewals, Satisfaction, and Community
The most effective amenity upgrades don’t just look good — they work. They help students feel supported, reduce friction in their daily lives, and foster a community where they want to stay.
Want to talk through what’s possible on your campus?
👉 Learn more about COCM’s Fresh Eyes Consulting program today here.
