Exploring Demand Drivers, Design Innovation, Development Hurdles, Capital Trends And University Partnerships Reshaping The Future Of Student Housing

With steady preleasing rates, slowing rent growth and a projected delivery of only 28,454 new beds for the 2025–26 academic year, a shift is underway in the nation’s student housing sector. Demand continues to surge, particularly in major university markets, yet developers continue to face challenges with high construction costs, labor shortages and tighter capital markets.

As student preferences evolve towards wellness-focused, inclusive, and innovative living environments, developers and investors must adapt to meet these expectations while navigating economic uncertainties. Join industry leaders as they discuss strategies for addressing supply gaps, capitalizing on investment opportunities and innovations design and operations to shape the future of student housing.

Topics we’ll cover include:

• What macro trends are driving investor demand? What role do institutional portfolios play in shaping the sector’s future?
• How are developers responding to pricing pressures through in-house construction, private public partnerships and efficient amenity strategies?
• From wellness to inclusivity, what design innovations are redefining what students expect from housing?
• How are site selection and unit mix strategies evolving in core versus tertiary markets?
• What does slowing rent growth mean for underwriting and long-term returns? Where are the risks and opportunities?
• How are sustainability, mental health and hybrid spaces shaping long-term asset value?