
What Gen Z Actually Wants in Student Housing (It’s Not Just Amenities)
Every property has stainless appliances. Gen Z is choosing lifestyle, not layout.
In a saturated market, where pricing and features are nearly identical, brand is the only differentiator. And for Gen Z, "brand" means more than a logo. It means how your content feels, how your voice sounds, and whether your community mirrors their identity.
Key Drivers for Gen Z Renters:
- A sense of belonging and community
- A brand identity they can project as their own
- A lifestyle and emotional tone reflected in content
- Representation of their values—wellness, inclusivity, creativity, independence
Strategy for Operators:
- Shift from amenity-based to emotion-based messaging
- Let residents and creators tell the story—avoid corporate voice and studio-quality ads
- Build a consistent vibe across social, site, and physical space
- Consider the end-to-end journey: signage, tours, email follow-ups, and post-move-in comms should all match the emotional brand experience
Studio+Commerce: Building Culture-Led Funnels for Gen Z Housing
Studio+Commerce helps student housing brands and management companies design content ecosystems that resonate with Gen Z and drive real leasing outcomes. From strategy to execution, we build what actually converts.
Whether you're early in the leasing cycle, stuck in the mid-funnel gap, or pushing to hit occupancy goals—there’s a smarter way to connect with Gen Z. We meet your audience where they are, with content that’s built to move them.
Mid-funnel friction?
If your content isn't converting, we'll map where it's breaking—and rebuild a smarter sequence.