Belonging is essential for college student success, yet little is known about how residence hall spaces affect this experience. This article reports on selected findings from a multi-year research project that aims to understand the multiple uses, experiences, and meanings of spaces in the residence halls. Qualitative analysis of student-created…

Provides advice on how to best meet the furniture needs of student residents now and in the future to ensure their privacy and value from the residence hall experience. Twenty tips are highlighted that include considering fire safety, upholstering, lifecycle costs, input from stakeholders, the Americans with Disabilities Act, comfort, lighting,…

Asserting that residence hall furniture takes abuse simply through use, discusses a three-part approach--student involvement and education, creating the right environment, and ongoing maintenance--that helps reduce normal wear and tear. (EV)

Shares tips for making the right purchases of furniture for college residence halls, including issues of durability, aesthetics, flexibility and floor space, and delivery. (EV)

Explores the purchasing trends in residence hall furniture toward more durability but with a feel for home that better satisfies students' preferences while not being overly expensive. Tips on furniture purchasing are highlighted that include warranty considerations, student input, and customizing contracts. (GR)

Discusses the dilemma housing managers of college residence halls face in trying to provide the type of comfortable and homelike furniture students want versus the durability and savings the school needs. Examples of how two universities resolved their furniture problems are provided. (GR)

In this article, the author explores and weighs all the options in choosing furniture for student housing. The first step in acquiring or upgrading residence hall furniture is to research. The Internet and colleagues on campus or at other institutions are options for gathering information. After researching product choices, administrators need to…

Discusses the issues colleges and universities face when choosing furniture for residence halls, including aesthetics, durability, student expectations, technology-friendliness, and encouragement of community. (EV)

Describes what leading manufacturers are saying about the future of residence hall furniture design, explaining that fabrics, frames, colors, materials, and other factors are combining to give college officials numerous choices. (EV)

Discusses how, despite the renovation and construction activity college residence halls go through during the summer, planners can make sure dormitory furniture is ready when the students arrive. Suggestions are provided for the disposing of old furniture, project planning, incentives to help assure project completion dates, and cost-saving…

Discusses ways colleges and universities are making their residence halls more homelike and less institutional through careful selection of furniture and furnishings. Balancing cost with comfort and adequately addressing student needs for computer space are addressed. (GR)

Discusses the need for furniture in college residence halls to be flexible, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and able to support technology. Explores what students prefer, customizing student space, and furniture finishes. (EV)

Explains how furniture selection for residence halls depends on the space available, the function it is intended to serve, and the types of students who live there. Discusses the creation of a home-like atmosphere, including instituting regulations that let students supply some of their own furniture. (GR)