Survey Reveals Student Well-Being as the Top Housing Challenge

College campus housing has undergone profound design changes over the years. Aging and outdated dormitories and dining halls have given way to modern, spacious, and amenity-rich buildings designed with a holistic focus.

At Beck, we see this shift every day. And the data backs it up. At the 2025 ACUHO-I Conference in Columbus, Ohio, we surveyed housing professionals to learn what’s keeping them up at night.

The top answer? Student well-being.

Student Well-Being is the Top Housing Challenge

Our survey showed that housing leaders are prioritizing more than just beds. They’re designing for identity, purpose, and connection. Respondents cited increasing mental health needs, feelings of isolation, and a growing demand for safety and belonging, especially among first-generation and international students.

As one professional told us, “The first six weeks of school are instrumental to making sure someone wants to stay. After that time, it’s more effort with less impact.”

This aligns with what we’ve heard at other conferences, including SEAHO 2025, where student and staff mental health topped the list of campus concerns.

A Design Approach That Prioritizes Well-Being

Beck’s work on the University of Georgia’s Black-Diallo-Miller Hall reflects this shift. The residence hall was designed around the core idea that students need more than just a place to sleep — they need a place to feel safe, supported, and connected.

From the layout of community lounges and study areas to the inclusion of phone rooms and privacy-enchanced community bathrooms, the design balances individual privacy with opportunities for community connection.

Designing for What Matters Most

College campuses are increasingly investing in spaces that support well-being, growth, and inclusion. Our ACUHO-I findings show that affordability, aging facilities, and capacity constraints are also top concerns. But they don’t have to come at the expense of thoughtful design.

Campus leaders are under pressure to deliver more — more comfort, amenities, and support — without increasing costs for students. That tension is driving new design decisions focused on value: flexible spaces, durable finishes, and layouts that meet needs without exceeding budgets.

The most impactful student housing projects are those that:

• Promote community and independence
• Support mental health through spatial design
• Provide adaptable, inclusive layouts
• Balance operational cost with long-term value

Want to know what’s keeping campus housing leaders up at night? ➡️ Download our ACUHO-I survey to learn more.

How Beck Can Help

As higher education evolves, so must the spaces that shape the student experience. We’re honored to help institutions design housing that meets real needs and reflects their mission.

Our team understands the evolving needs of colleges and universities. We partner with institutions to design and deliver student housing that promotes well-being, supports long-term flexibility, and reflects your campus mission.

Whether you’re planning a new residence hall or updating existing facilities, let’s create environments where students feel supported and succeed.

Ken Higa, AIA, IIDA, NOMA, is a Principal and Higher Education Practice Leader at The Beck Group. He brings deep expertise in student housing design, with a focus on creating inclusive, wellness-centered environments that support student success.