Residence Life practices are changing with the times, or at least they should be. Technology is everywhere, including in the way the residential spaces are designed. The historic residential spaces persist and that age old motto “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” will continue for as long as possible, mostly due to replacement costs and a lack of funds. That being said, when building new residence halls, technology should be integrated to keep up with the times. Let’s explore some of the ways that the new generation of college students are changing Residence Life when it comes to technology in our living spaces.
This blog series features different writers responding to the prompt, “How is the rising generation of college students changing residence life practice?”
Smart Access and Enhanced Security
Traditional keys are becoming relics of the past. Locks and doors are expensive to replace, so older spaces likely will continue to maintain traditional locks until the buildings are taken offline, but students aren’t going to be too excited about this. Many halls, including the one I currently work in, are accessed with a university ID card. These systems offer convenience and improved security, enabling real-time monitoring and instant lock changes when needed. For residence life professionals, this means fewer lost keys and greater control over building safety. As a residence life professional, when I haven’t seen a student around for a while, being able to see their door access is a helpful tool if I haven’t been able to get in touch with them. Of course, access logs aren’t everything, as someone could be using someone else’s card against policy, but it’s a helpful starting point.
High-Speed Connectivity is Non-Negotiable.
Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a perk. It’s a necessity. Students stream lectures, participate in video calls, and engage in online gaming, all of which demand robust bandwidth. Institutions are investing in advanced network infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity for academic and recreational use. A
strong digital backbone is now as critical as electricity or running water in residence halls. If your halls don’t have strong internet connection, you’re behind the curve and at risk for losing students to universities with better wi-fi.
App-Based Services for Everyday Needs
Technology is streamlining the way students interact with residence life staff. Mobile apps now handle maintenance requests, laundry updates, and community announcements. These platforms reduce response times, improve transparency, and create a more efficient service experience. In some cases, universities won’t have much of a choice regarding whether or not they use these app-based services. For example, the school I currently work at was required by our laundry provider to use their laundry app. Of course, this creates an issue if there isn’t a manual way to start the washing machines and dryers. Since this switch has happened, I’ve had to be more involved with laundry in the residence hall I oversee. This is usually because the app isn’t working for a specific machine, they don’t have a functional smart device, or the app has unexpectedly crashed. It’s important that these apps are reliable, if their use is required.
Virtual Engagement and Community Building
Residence life is no longer confined to physical spaces. Digital community boards, virtual events, and social platforms allow students to connect from anywhere, fostering inclusivity and engagement. This
hybrid approach is particularly valuable for students who prefer remote interaction or have demanding schedules. aFacebook groups are out since that’s for older millennials and above, but in my experience, Generation Z seems to be okay with using the Group Me app, Whatsapp, or other apps to be in a required floor group chat to stay connected digitally. A word of warning, apps like Yik Yak and Fizz, anonymous posting sites, pop up on college campuses regularly. This can lead to online bullying and harassment which can sometimes lead to a need for a student to be granted a room change. Virtual engagement can have a dark side too and the advancement of technology is not without some drawbacks.
Smart Rooms are coming.
While I haven’t seen it myself yet, I imagine the next thing coming to residence halls is going to be the rise of smart living environments, transforming residence halls into tech-enabled spaces. Adjustable lighting, climate control, and energy monitoring accessible via mobile devices may become standard features. It’s hard to believe when your hall may not even have air conditioning, but schools that are creating new halls are implementing features like this that put them one step ahead. These innovations will enhance comfort while supporting sustainability goals, aligning with students’ values around environmental responsibility, something more important to Gen-Z than the generations prior.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Residence life professionals are leveraging analytics tools to track engagement, identify trends, and personalize programming. Data insights help tailor experiences to student needs, improving satisfaction and retention. From predicting maintenance issues to optimizing event schedules, technology empowers staff to make informed decisions that enhance the student experience. It is important to consider how you are collecting data, as some students may be overwhelmed by the surveys and the requirement to check in for each event they choose to participate in.
Something else to remember: Respect and care for those without technology
One thing Residence Life must do is be aware that there will be some students who do not have tech easily accessible to them. I’ve heard folks say “well, everyone has a smart phone” and while the majority of people now do have a smart device, that is not something everyone has. There are students who don’t have a smart device for a variety of reasons, often due to the costly nature of the device or upbringing that did not prioritize technology. When it comes to supporting our students from economically marginalized backgrounds, it is imperative that Residence Life has a backup plan in place for those who do not have devices. I recommend training RAs on how to appropriately respond to those without tech and having resources ready, such as a smart device checkout program, to assist with this. In 2020, when my laptop stopped functioning and I was trying to finish graduate school when suddenly everything went digital and the computer lab closed down for COVID safety, having a laptop I could checkout on a weekly basis from the library was a life saver and I hope all schools have something like this to support their students.
In conclusion, technology integration in residence life is a strategic imperative. By embracing these innovations, institutions can create living environments that reflect students’ lifestyles, support academic success, and foster community. In a competitive higher education landscape, tech-enabled residence halls will attract and help retain students.The rising generation of college students is more digital than ever before, which impacts our residence life practices and spaces.
