Even in difficult economic times, colleges and universities continue to invest in residence hall construction projects as a way to attract new students and keep existing ones on campus. According to data from "American School & University"'s 20th annual Residence Hall Construction Report, the median new project completed in 2008 was…

The construction of residence hall facilities at colleges and universities continues to be strong, as institutions scramble to meet the housing needs and varied demands of a growing student population. This article presents data collected from 39 new residence hall projects completed in 2007. According to American School & University's 19th…

In summer 2005, with two-and-a-half months to convert a nursing home to a 256-bed college residence hall, Philadelphia Biblical University established a fast-track construction schedule. By finishing the project in time for it to house students that fall, the university was able to avoid the high cost of renting accommodations for students.…

Laundry equipment is an investment, and the investment should be protected. To keep laundry equipment working at an optimum level, schools must maintain their machines. This article offers preventive-maintenance tips for washing machines and dryers. To prevent faucets from binding up, close and reopen the water faucets. This also is a great way to…

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)

Highlights the importance of using sprinkler systems in school residence halls to prevent fire fatalities. Understanding the risks involved, retrofitting schools to meet these risks, and realizing the need to extend safety education to off-campus housing are discussed. (GR)

Describes how growing acceptance of security measures such as access-control cards, video surveillance, and biometric devices is allowing colleges to protect students and their belongings more effectively. (EV)

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)

Explores ways to identify and meet the housing goals of college campuses. Stresses the participatory approach through open communication between stakeholders in order to resolve design issues before construction funds are spent. Provides an example of Lafayette College's (Pennsylvania) experience with this approach. (GR)

Discusses the reasons for and advantages to transforming college campuses from commuter to residential facilities or expanding existing facilities, suggesting that the design for new student residence facilities must provide for a wide variety of functions above and beyond the spaces required for sleeping and bathing. Incorporating study lounges,…

This 14th annual residence hall construction report provides data indicating that colleges and universities are investing in new housing construction in a bid to keep students on campus. (EV)

Presents college residence halls/lounges considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting unique concepts and ideas. For each citation, the article offers information on the firm, client, total area, total…

Discusses the trend toward smaller college residence halls and their amenities as a means of attracting students to live on campus. Provides data from the 9th Annual Residence Hall Construction Report that assessed average college and university residence hall construction costs and types of amenities offered, and presents examples of new…