student housing pool

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.