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Dorm alternatives awaiting students
tdrury@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1609
The opening this fall of loft apartments in the heart of downtown Buffalo is the latest offering in a series of expanded housing options for Western New York college students.
Though traditional dormitory-style housing remains at many area campuses, as well as independently owned apartments in surrounding neighborhoods, the trend continues toward upscale housing with expanded amenities. The residential real estate market for students has become both varied and competitive - and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Three distinct types of housing are available for students attending the region's 25 colleges: on-campus dorms and apartment-style housing; off-campus apartments managed by independent companies under contract with colleges; and independently owned apartments with no connection to the colleges other than proximity.
Demand for all three remains strong, says Kevin Ahuna, senior associate director for residential life at the University at Buffalo.
UB has a total on-campus housing capacity of 7,365 - including 5,201 beds in residence halls and 2,164 beds in the on-campus apartments. Occupancy rarely dips below 98 percent, he says.
"We definitely see folks who are looking for the convenience of being right on campus," Ahuna says, pointing to UB's traditional dorms, suite-style housing and on-campus apartments. The different styles of housing give students options for privacy, as well as social activities.
Indeed, the majority of new residential housing on college campuses nationwide is in the style of apartments, with built-in kitchens and laundry, as well as common areas for fitness or studying. It is rare to see a new-build that includes long hallways with double, triple or quad rooms with shared bathroom facilities, Ahuna says.
"The newer-style residences reflect students' desire for privacy and amenities that didn't exist when I was in school. Those trends are reflected in the newer builds on campus," he says.
Buffalo State College opened its first apartment-style housing back in 1998, targeting nontraditional students with families. Today, the college has both apartments and traditional dorms, with suites and towers. In the fall, it will open a new, 500-bed complex - all apartment-style with four single bedrooms in each, two bathrooms and a full kitchen.
Tim Ecklund, associate vice president for campus life, says this type of living option gives students the privacy they crave while giving parents on-campus security and proximity. Those features make it more attractive for some families than moving off campus into surrounding neighborhoods, he says.
"It really creates a completely different experience and one that for a lot of students is very attractive," Ecklund says.
"They get to be part of campus, with Internet, television, security - and all of those things are included in one bill. That puts us at an advantage as it relates to what students are looking for and what parents are looking for," he says.
Off-campus living appeals to many
She started at Gordon College near Boston, then took a year off. When she began her housing search this summer, she briefly considered living on campus before opting for an apartment with friends off campus, about a 15-minute walk from classes.
"I've had a little more life experience than the people in the dorms and felt it would suit my lifestyle better," says Tun Thein. "We looked at a lot of places before we found the one we actually chose. There were a lot of nice places, but I'm really happy with the place we found."
The desire to live off campus, without resident advisers or university rules, is a major reason many students opt for residential housing that's not on school property. And despite how nice or private the apartment-style housing on campus may be, living off campus is closer to true independence for many students - even if their parents are still paying the bills.
That's what has kept Miranda Real Estate & Management LLC in business for nearly four decades. The company owns close to 35 residential properties in the University Heights neighborhood surrounding UB's South Campus. And every single one is rented.
Michael Miranda, vice president, says UB's ongoing development of housing on both of its campuses has not lessened demand at all: The company, started by his family 35 years ago, is nearly always at 100 percent capacity.
"They're looking for the freedom. They've come out from under their parents' roof and now are under the university's roof," he says.
Though some of those who inquire about Miranda properties indicate they're looking for newer-style housing or the type of amenities they receive on campus, the majority are more concerned with finding a well-maintained house located close to campus.
And though lease costs include garbage user fees and taxes, tenants are on their own when it comes to Internet, phone and utilities.
But that also makes it more affordable than living on campus, Miranda says.
"This is real-life living," Miranda says, "what I believe what they're looking for. They're ready to be out on their own and experience life."
- Tracey Drury