Supporting Mental Health in Every Student Housing Development

In recent years, the discussion around mental health has surged, shining a spotlight on the profound impact of our physical surroundings. As developer and owner of student housing communities, we hold a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our residents. After all, the college journey can be both exhilarating and daunting, and the environment we provide plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ overall health.

The academic pressures, financial strains, homesickness, and relentless pursuit of success are familiar adversaries for some students. Yet, there’s an additional layer of complexity for those venturing away from home for the first time—especially First Generation, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, international or out-of-state students. The transition can evoke feelings of isolation and loneliness, underscoring the need for targeted support. Creating inclusive spaces and a sense of home is an important part of our development and design process.

In recent studies, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem in a typical school year¹ and depression and anxiety rates have surged, impacting students’ overall well-being². Our commitment to addressing mental health in student housing design extends beyond blueprints and floor plans. We recognize the importance of fostering supportive communities and promoting mental wellness initiatives. Through intentional design choices, we aim to create environments that not only meet the physical needs of students but also nurture their mental and emotional well-being, ensuring that our properties are truly spaces where students can thrive.

Mental Wellness in our Student Housing Communities

Student housing design is more than just architectural plans. It’s about cultivating the holistic well-being of our residents. Gilbane Development Company is a leading student housing developer, with over 20,000 beds developed or underway. From site selection to design to operations, our expert team understands how to create dynamic living-learning environments tailored to the unique needs of students. We have been named Top 10 Most Active Student Housing Developer of 2023 and 2024, by Student Housing Business.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

Fostering Supportive Communities
We understand that students thrive when they feel connected. Our designs prioritize common spaces that encourage interaction, collaboration, and social bonds. Whether it’s a cozy lounge or a vibrant courtyard, these areas foster a sense of community and combat feelings of isolation.

Thoughtful Design Choices
Our intentional design choices go beyond aesthetics. We incorporate natural light, biophilic elements, and outdoor areas to create an environment that promotes safety and mental well-being. Imagine waking up to sunlight streaming through your window or taking a stroll along our green spaces—these small details matter.

Customized Spaces for Students
Each student deserves a space that supports their unique wellness journey. Our individualized sleeping spaces allow for tailored study, exercise, relaxation, and rest. Thoughtfully designed spaces play a pivotal role in enhancing overall health, that’s why, our communities offer fitness centers, serene yoga/meditation spaces, prayer rooms, and Zoom rooms for confidential virtual dialogues with health experts and parents.

Power of On-Site Student Wellness Events

Through a diverse range of on-site events, our properties bring people together by promoting mental wellness and creating a sense of community. Here are some of the engaging events our students’ housing properties have hosted in the past:

Rejuvenating Yoga Class at The Laurel:
Residents learned techniques to relax, breathe, and stretch their bodies through a guided yoga class.

Therapy Dog Visits at Octave:
Sometimes, all you need is a furry friend to brighten your day. Octave, hosted therapy dogs Bree and Eli from CU Canine Connection before fall break. It was a nice way for the students to destress and relax before exams!

“Flowers and Positive Affirmations” at Bixby on College:
Bixby celebrated Hi, How Are You Day by handing out flowers with positive quotes to their residents.

“Breaking Bread, Breaking the Stigma” at Tempo: During the Holidays, Tempo prioritized mental health awareness by hosting the “Breaking Bread, Breaking the Stigma” event where residents came together to build gingerbread houses while having open conversations and breaking down barriers.

Halloween Festivities at Octave: Residents enjoyed snacks, took turns spinning the wheel for prizes, painted pumpkins, and competed in Halloween Trivia.

Thanksgiving Feast at Sierra: Before residents went home for the holidays, Sierra hosted a Thanksgiving meal for all residents to enjoy.

“Paint & Hot Chocolate with Affirmations” at The Laurel: Residents celebrated Hi, How Are You Day by embracing mental wellness with a “Paint and Hot Chocolate Bar with Affirmations” event.

These events offer just a glimpse into the ways our student housing properties prioritize our residents, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and deeply connected within our community.

Prioritizing Student Wellness: Beyond Living Spaces

Designing spaces that prioritize mental health involves thoughtful consideration of various elements which is why our student housing properties are more than just living spaces; they are vibrant communities designed to nurture students’ overall wellness. From serene private study areas to wellness-focused residence halls, we prioritize mental health and provide a supportive environment for our residents.

Our communities include:

Localized Common Areas: These spaces are designed to be localized and accessible, fostering connections, relaxation, and social interaction among residents. By creating safe and comfortable spaces – students can interact, bond, and connect. These areas provide opportunities for residents to engage in conversations, share experiences, and build relationships. Whether it is a cozy lounge, a communal garden, or a shared kitchen, these spaces encourage spontaneous interactions and create a sense of community.

Outdoor Amenities: Access to outdoor spaces such as gardens, courtyards, or rooftops can provide students with a sense of connection to nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Our purpose-built student housing properties are designed with at least 1-2 courtyards and/or a rooftop. Whether students want to hit the books while taking in nature or unwind and recharge after a long day of studying, we program amenities geared towards relaxation, physical activity, and social interaction. Being able to spend time outdoors also promotes social interaction and a sense of community among residents, which can further enhance mental well-being.

Safety and Security: The facility prioritizes safety and security, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal growth without unnecessary stress. Our communities are designed with safety in mind. From well-lit exterior pathways to visible walking paths and strict access control in and around the buildings, each community is a secure environment. Security cameras maintain constant surveillance, ensuring peace of mind for everyone within our premises. Package lockers are also available so residents can pick up deliveries at their convenience without worrying they will go missing.

Tailored Living Spaces: With many unique floor plans, residents can choose layouts that suit their study, exercise, relaxation, and sleep needs. This personalized environment enhances overall well-being. Whether students are looking for a private studio or one bedroom layout, or 2+ bedrooms, tailored floor plans empower residents to create spaces that resonate with their lifestyle, contributing to their overall happiness and health.

Roommate Matching Systems: For those in 2+ bedroom floor plans, Roommate Matching is available. Students complete a matching form, letting the on-site teams know what they are looking for in a roommate. Then, our on-site teams determine the best match for each resident based on that information. This is done to ensure all students click and feel safe and comfortable with their roommates and some even turn into lifelong friends!

Inclusive Monthly Installment: A majority of our off-campus living communities include most utilities in the monthly installment. Residents enjoy fully covered internet, water, sewer, and trash services to ensure less stress when bills are due each month. Electricity is billed separately based on usage, making it convenient for students.

Unmatched Hospitality: On-site management teams ensure a friendly and personalized experience, creating a sense of community and support for residents’ mental well-being. Teams mix fun with education; to create dynamic environments where students love to live and learn and that attract and retain residents. We understand free food is key to the college heart so residents at our properties can expect monthly events sponsored by their local favorite eats.

Modern Living for Well-Being: These fully furnished, pet-friendly apartments offer amenities tailored to an active student lifestyle with full-sized washer/dryer, stainless steel ENERGY STAR kitchen appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, and flatscreen TVs. Other community amenities typically include a fitness center, a clubroom, study rooms, a study lounge, an outdoor courtyard with BBQ grilling areas, hammocks, large outdoor TVs, and pools.

Purpose-Built Student Housing Communities that Address Mental Health and Resident Well-Being

The Laurel
Syracuse, New York

The Laurel is a cutting-edge six-story, 190-unit, 466-bed student housing community located four blocks from the Syracuse University campus, designed to elevate how Syracuse University students live, learn, and thrive. It includes fully furnished apartments with a full-sized washer/dryer, stainless steel ENERGY STAR kitchen appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, and flatscreen TVs. The top-tier amenities at The Laurel encourage community engagement and social connections, vital elements for fostering a sense of inclusion for students and contributing positively to their mental health. Amenities include study rooms, a study lounge, a fitness center, a clubroom which offers residents a versatile space for unwinding, hosting events, or group meetings. The outdoor courtyard is where students unwind, relax, and enjoy the fresh air while barbequing at the outdoor grilling area. The lawn area is ideal for friendly competitions, like a cornhole tournament, play frisbee and when the sun sets, residents gather around a fire pit for cozy fireside chats with fellow residents. The sixth-story rooftop terrace allows a place to take in panoramic views of the city, to provide the ultimate relaxation.

TEMPO
College Park, Maryland,

Tempo, located in College Park, MD, stands as an eight-story, 296-unit, 976-bed eco-friendly community at a premiere location just 1,500 feet from the University of Maryland. Fully furnished studio, one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom apartments feature private ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom, fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryers, simulated wood flooring, and flat-screen TVs. Tempo features spacious study lounges for students to collaborate as well as private study rooms designed to provide students with the peace they need to recharge and focus without distractions. The property boasts three inviting open-air courtyards, each with a different “Tempo”: the South courtyard is active, featuring a pool with cabanas, a TV wall and turf area that connects through bi-folding garage doors via the Clubhouse to the more social Central courtyard, containing a grilling area, bocce court and foosball; and the North courtyard is tranquil including a fire pit and hammocks with a private setting offering a zen garden relaxation area. In addition, there’s an 8th-floor indoor/outdoor sky lounge, where residents can enjoy breathtaking views with festoon lighting, comfortable seating, and a fireplace overlooking the University’s picturesque campus.

Octave
Champaign, IL

Octave is located in Champaign, IL, within walking distance to the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus. It is a 2-building, 167-unit, 538-bed community comprised of fully furnished one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom student apartments complete with private bathrooms, in-unit washer/dryers, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed internet, and 50” flat-screen TVs. Octave’s thoughtful design, including 21 study rooms distributed throughout the community, fosters an environment conducive to academic success and supports students’ mental well-being by providing ample space for focused studying and collaboration.

Bixby on College
Clemson, SC

Bixby on College, located in Clemson, SC, is a 383-bed/107-unit purpose-built student housing community on a 2.5-acre site located in the heart of “Tigertown,” less than one-half mile from Clemson University. Bixby’s strong appeal for Clemson University students led to its lease-up in eleven days and was at 100% occupancy immediately following move-in. Interior amenities include a clubhouse, computer lab, fitness center, 24-hour study rooms, and a gaming area. Bixby Clemson offers an array of exceptional outdoor amenities, creating a vibrant and engaging community environment. Residents can enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds perfect for outdoor gatherings and leisure activities. The community boasts a Infinity Edge swimming pool, providing a refreshing escape during warm months. Additionally, Bixby on College features a hammock lounge for residents to relax or grill up some food at the outdoor grilling stations and picnic areas, ideal for enjoying delicious meals together in the fresh air.

Sierra
Corvallis, OR

Sierra is an upscale, state-of-the-art off-campus residence for students at the expanding Corvallis campus of Oregon State University (OSU). It is a 245-unit, 687-bed community ranging from studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedrooms, 3-bedrooms, and 4-bedrooms units, with each bedroom having its own bathroom in most units. Sierra’s commitment to supporting students’ mental health extends to its fully furnished apartments, equipped with private bathrooms and in-unit washer/dryers, providing a comfortable and convenient living environment that promotes a sense of security and privacy for overall well-being. Other amenities include oversized closets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, high speed internet, and flat screen TVs. Community amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with cardio and strength training, a 24-hour study lounge, a game room, storage, and building access control and cameras for additional safety. Sierra residents can access a variety of outdoor amenities designed to enhance their living experience. The ground-floor clubhouse features a connected outdoor courtyard with a heated pool and cozy gas fire pits. It is the perfect spot to unwind, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. The community features beautifully landscaped grounds with ample green spaces, perfect for picnics or strolls. Residents can enjoy the refreshing waters of the heated swimming pool or gather with friends and family at two of the clubhouses or three outdoor courtyards, complete with grilling stations and picnic areas.

Developing the Future of Higher Education: Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-Being through Students Voice

By leveraging the Public-Private Partnership design-build-finance-operate-maintain model, Gilbane delivers innovative and sustainable communities for higher education clients.

Student feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the design and the living experience. The changing demographics of students present a unique challenge: how to foster interaction while respecting individual lifestyles.

During design planning, our teams hold student engagement sessions, soliciting students’ input on the design intent for the use of interior and exterior common space within the new communities. Furniture showcases are also held where students can view and try out different furniture options and then vote on their favorites. The winning selections are incorporated in the common areas.

As we get closer to project completion, we have utilized virtual reality (VR) to showcase students’ new living spaces. Doing this can significantly enhance their mental well-being during the transition to their new homes. VR tours allow students to explore their future dorm rooms or apartments virtually. By visualizing the space beforehand, they can become familiar with the layout, colors, and overall ambiance. This familiarity reduces anxiety and provides a sense of comfort when they physically arrive and enter these new buildings.

Ohlone College
At Ohlone College our P3 project in Newark, CA, will deliver housing for approximately 450 students, in both single-student and family configurations, and is intended to serve the full student demographic spectrum. The Program will be designed to enhance the student experience and promote academic success by providing students with a holistic residential experience, and to support the whole student by providing access to affordable and quality housing.

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) – Welcome Home Plan
EMU partnered with Gilbane to lead the transformative multi-year Welcome Home EMU initiative as developer, builder, and operator, resulting in updates include two new student living facilities: Lakeview Apartments – a 400-bed apartment-style residence hall and Westview Apartments, a 300-bed apartment community, conveniently located near the Student Center and the George Gervin Game Above Center. These new campus apartments will have modern amenities to meet the needs of current and future students

As part of the community campus engagement plan, nearly 2,000 students, 150 faculty, and countless staff provided valuable feedback through surveys, focus groups, and student and faculty senate meetings. Throughout this highly consultative process, providing long-term affordability for students remained the primary objective.

Enhancing Student Well-Being: Innovative Design Features in Higher Education

Most of our new Higher Education developments, incorporate cutting-edge design features:

Natural Light: Inspired by student feedback, these apartments will prioritize natural light. Large windows and skylights will flood the spaces with sunshine, promoting well-being and reducing the impact of seasonal affective disorder.
Outdoor Community Spaces: Courtyards, rooftop gardens, and other outdoor areas are incorporated into the design of the development. These green spaces provide opportunities for relaxation, study, and socializing.

Quiet Reflection Areas: Amid the hustle of student life, students will find designated spaces for meditation and quiet contemplation. These serene corners allow for introspection and rejuvenation.
Zoom Rooms: Recognizing the need for private conversations, these communities will feature smaller, private rooms—dubbed “zoom rooms.” Here, students can access virtual mental health services or engage in confidential discussions with their support networks.
Equity and Long-Term Affordability: Long-term affordability remains a priority, ensuring that students can thrive without financial burden.

In our commitment to holistic well-being, Gilbane embraces design elements that prioritize mental health. By blending aesthetics with functionality, we create an environment where students thrive—both academically and emotionally.

College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition Partnership

As student housing developers and owners, we have the unique opportunity to provide convenient, comfortable living spaces that will contribute to students’ overall quality of life. In addition to our on-site efforts, Gilbane Development Company has taken proactive steps to advocate for student mental wellness on a broader scale. We are proud members of the College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalitio n, a movement dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space for all college students to thrive.

The College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition actively participates in a range of initiatives to enhance mental health on college campuses and within student housing. They advocate for increased funding and support for mental health services, organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and events to combat stigma surrounding mental health issues, collaborate with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote mental health initiatives on campuses, provide resources and information to college students, faculty, and staff about available mental health support services, and conduct research to better understand and address the unique mental health challenges faced by college students. Overall, their multifaceted approach aims to create a supportive and mentally healthy environment for college students, and we fully support that!

We are proud supporters of the “Hi, How Are You?” initiatives, our student housing properties consistently promote mental health awareness each month by hosting a variety of engaging events on-site. This organization was founded with the belief that a simple question can ignite meaningful conversations about mental well-being and awareness.