How BaseCamp is solving the student housing crisis in style across Europe

High Point University's Housing and Residence Life department provides a diverse array of living options for its students, aiming to foster a comprehensive developmental experience. The university offers accommodations ranging from apartment-style single rooms to shared double occupancy facilities, catering to both first-year students and upperclassmen. This residential approach is designed to cultivate a strong sense of self among students, integrating their academic pursuits with their residential community life. The department emphasizes that campus living is integral to the overall student experience, going beyond just providing a place to stay. The residential offerings are categorized by student type, including specific halls for first-year students, upperclassmen, and graduate students. First-year students have options such as Belk Hall, Blessing, Finch Hall, McEwen, Millis Hall, North Hall, Panther Commons, RG Wanek Center & University Center II, Wesley Hall, Wilson, and Yadkin Hall. The process for first-year students involves making an enrollment deposit, followed by completing a housing application through the university's housing portal. For upperclassmen, the choices expand to include Aldridge Village 1 & 2, Caffey Hall, Centennial Square 1 & 2, Greek Village, McCain Place Townhomes, North College Court, North College Terrace, North College Townhomes, Point Place, University Landing Tiny Homes, University Owned Houses, University Village, and York Hall. The procedure for upperclassmen is similar, requiring a housing deposit and accessing the housing portal. Graduate students are offered University Owned Houses and University Village, also following the housing deposit and portal access steps. Several resources are made available to students to facilitate their housing selection process. These include detailed guides for first-year, returning undergraduate, and graduate student housing selection, as well as a housing fair resource. Additional information covers housing tier specifics, location and layout details for various residences, and policies regarding emotional support animals. The university also provides comprehensive residential resources and support services, along with information on housing deposits and accommodations for students with specific needs. The university highlights its commitment to an inspiring environment and caring people, aiming to provide an extraordinary educational experience. Students who have lived in High Point University's residence halls often share positive testimonials. For example, residents appreciate the privacy of their own rooms while still having common areas for socialization. Many find the halls conducive to academic success, offering quiet spaces for study without needing to leave the building. The central location of some halls on campus is also a significant advantage, providing easy access to classes and other university facilities. The community aspect is frequently praised, with students forming strong bonds and experiencing a sense of family within their residential complexes. The honors floor, in particular, is noted for fostering a supportive academic environment and strong educational bonds among residents. High Point University has also received recognition for its student housing and campus aesthetics, being named among the nation's best for student housing and recreation, and having its residence halls and campus acknowledged by affordable schools. #HighPointUniversity #StudentHousing #ResidenceLife #CampusLiving #StudentExperience #DormitoryOptions #UniversityHousing #ResidentialCommunity #CollegeLife

The conceptual housing project by alber+grandits proposes a hybrid structure for the Technical University of Vienna's architecture department, seamlessly integrating academic studies with students' private lives. This design reimagines student accommodation by combining studios and residences into a single, cohesive environment. The core idea is to create a living and learning space where the demanding nature of architectural education can be fully embraced within a constructively tailored home setting. The multi-story complex is designed with several key areas to facilitate this integration. A large working space is situated in the basement, providing direct access to Vienna's subway system and the Danube Canal, emphasizing connectivity and practical urban living. Above this, the building centers around a large atrium, which extends through all floors except the basement, creating a continuous, open volume that promotes interaction and a sense of community. The circulation within the building is conceived as a spiral movement upwards, enhancing the dynamic flow through the different levels. Alongside the central atrium, an ongoing collection of book-filled shelves is incorporated, underscoring the academic focus and providing readily accessible resources for students. Private dormitories are also part of this integrated design. Each residence within the complex is characterized by an open-layout plan and features movable elements and shelving, allowing students to customize their living spaces according to their individual needs and preferences. This flexibility supports various living and working arrangements, accommodating the diverse requirements of architecture students. This project by alber+grandits is more than just a dormitory; it is a holistic environment engineered to allow architect-hopefuls to immerse themselves completely in their everyday training. By merging living and learning functions, the design aims to foster a constant engagement with architectural principles and practices, extending beyond traditional classroom settings into their personal space. The intention is to create an ecosystem where students can live and breathe their studies, making the educational journey an integral part of their daily existence in a supportive and adaptable home environment. #ConceptualHousing #StudentAccommodation #ArchitectureDesign #TechnicalUniversityVienna #HybridLiving #OpenLayout #UrbanConnectivity #ArchitecturalEducation

The Village, situated in the Lower Quarry adjacent to the UCSC Farm and Garden, offers an apartment-style community designed for continuing and transfer students seeking a more independent living experience. This community is characterized by its peaceful setting, surrounded by redwoods and native landscaping, providing a secluded feel away from the main campus activity. The Village emphasizes a co-operative atmosphere through shared houses, a communal kitchen, and a community garden, fostering a strong sense of community among residents. The housing options at The Village include shared residence houses with single and small double bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and one kitchenette per house. A meal plan is not mandatory for residents, though voluntary meal plans are available. Eligibility for The Village extends to continuing and new transfer students. The residence houses are single-story and can be single-gender or mixed-gender, with all-gender bathrooms designed for privacy. Each room is furnished, and specific floor plans are provided to give a general idea of the room layout and configuration, though furniture arrangements may vary. The Village offers various community living options, allowing residents to indicate their preferences during the housing application process. These options include LGBTQIA+ Housing, which promotes an open and supportive environment for all identities and allies, available in mixed-gender areas. Mixed-Gender Housing allows students of any gender to live on the same floor or in the same apartment, with single-gender bedrooms and mixed-gender bathrooms featuring private toilet and shower stalls. Single-Gender Housing is also available, where students of a single gender live together, and bathrooms are primarily used by individuals identifying with that gender, with availability dependent on demand. Beyond basic amenities, The Village provides unique features that enhance its community living. These include community buildings with kitchen stations, a laundry room with washers and dryers, and a TV lounge for community events. A community garden further supports the co-op-like environment. The community benefits from on-site staff, including a live-in Coordinator for Residential Education and student staff who organize activities and assist residents. A nighttime Residential Community Service Partner patrols the grounds, helping with lockouts, policy enforcement, and emergencies. Transportation around The Village is convenient, with access to nearby campus and city bus services, night shuttles for pick-up and drop-off, bicycle storage racks, and adjacent bicycle paths. A staircase provides quick access to shuttle stops, the East Remote parking lot, and walking paths. For mail, Village residents use their affiliated college address. Post-move-in, residents can obtain a Housing Verification letter through the Housing Portal for official purposes. Contact information for The Village housing office and UCSC Student Housing Services is provided for inquiries regarding room assignments, contracts, and billing. The Village underscores a commitment to inclusivity, with all programs and services being accessible and respectful of all identities, in line with the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. #StudentHousing #UniversityHousing #UCSC #ApartmentStyleLiving #CommunityLiving #SharedHousing #ResidentialLife #CampusAmenities #TransferStudents

Cornerstone University emphasizes a distinctive residence life experience, aiming to fully integrate students into campus life through various formative activities, including Orientation Week and campus-wide events like chapel services. These experiences are designed to foster personal transformation and encourage engagement among roommates and friends. The university maintains a Christ-centered community, which is foundational to all campus activities, promoting interactions between students and professors, casual greetings, and spontaneous worship gatherings within residence halls. The university offers diverse housing options tailored to different student needs and class years. Pickitt Hall, established in 1970, provides community-style living for freshman women, designed to facilitate integration into campus life. It features traditions such as Powderpuff and the Pickitt Talent Show and includes a furnished lounge with a pool table and television. Quincer Hall, known as “the Q” and established in 1964, offers community-style living for freshman men. It is recognized for its unique brotherhood atmosphere and various traditions aimed at supporting new students. This hall, named after Dr. Sheldon Byron Quincer, also includes a furnished lounge for community building. Central Hall, the newest residence hall completed in 2013, provides suite-style housing for upperclassmen, specifically sophomores, juniors, and transfer students, with coed floors. Residents have views of the De Witt baseball field, and the hall includes community lounges for interaction and study, along with accessible rooms. Cook and Van Osdel (VO) Halls, established in 2000, are connected by a three-story glass atrium and offer suite-style living for women and men, respectively, accommodating both freshmen and upperclassmen. These halls host events like Dancing with the Sections and feature shared lounges with kitchenettes, study areas, and game areas. Crawford and Babcock Halls, built in 1980, provide apartment-style living for upperclassmen with coed floors. Each apartment includes a fully-furnished kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom, allowing students to manage their meal plans. These halls, named after Dr. Joe Crawford and Dr. Wendall Babcock, also offer community lounges. Keithley Hall, established in 1975, offers suite-style living for upperclassmen, with coed floors and units designed for four residents with a shared bathroom. Known for movie and game nights, Keithley Hall also features a prayer room and furnished lounge. Additionally, the Fuller, Knol, and Morris rental apartments provide on-site, year-round housing options primarily for married students, graduate students, and older undergraduate students who might otherwise seek off-campus accommodation. These diverse housing solutions underscore Cornerstone University's commitment to fostering a supportive and communal living environment for all its students, aiming to enhance their overall campus experience and facilitate their academic and spiritual growth. #UniversityHousing #StudentLife #ResidenceHalls #CampusCommunity #UndergraduateExperience #ChristianUniversity #HigherEducation

The Calvin University Residence Life program emphasizes the residence hall as a central component of the student experience, extending beyond mere accommodation to serve as a hub for social interaction, academic pursuits, spiritual growth, and personal development. As a residential institution, Calvin University mandates that students live on campus for their initial two years post-high school, with specific exemptions for individuals aged 21 or older, married students, part-time enrollees, or those residing with parents. This policy underscores the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant on-campus community. Each residence hall features double-occupancy rooms designed in a suite-style configuration, where two rooms share a single bathroom. The rooms come equipped with stackable furniture, including beds with mattresses, dressers, desks, desk lamps, and chairs. Bathrooms are furnished with a shower, toilet, sink, counter space, and storage, with essential supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies readily available at the front reception desk of each hall. Additionally, rooms include closets with shelves, built-in bookshelves, and connectivity options like WiFi and ethernet ports, ensuring a comfortable and functional living and study environment for students. Beyond individual rooms, the residence halls offer a comprehensive array of amenities designed to enhance student life. These include an extra community bathroom with a tub, toilet, and large sink for additional convenience. Each floor provides a lounge area with a kitchen, fostering communal cooking and socializing. Centralized reception desks handle mail and offer sports equipment and games for recreation. Spiritual needs are addressed with meditation chapels and prayer rooms. Academic support is facilitated by network printers, basement lounges, and dedicated study areas. Recreational facilities like a recreation room and bicycle storage options, including outdoor racks and an indoor room, cater to various student interests. Furthermore, specific halls like Bolt-Heyns-Timmer and Noordewier-VanderWerp are equipped with copy machines in their lobbies, and an ATM is available in Noordewier-VanderWerp. A trunk room is provided for storing off-season clothing, boxes, and suitcases, with summer storage options for returning students. Prospective and current students can access practical resources such as a detailed list of what to bring and what not to bring, a Residence Hall Reference Guide in PDF format, and information on housing costs. The university also offers a Student Handbook outlining the Student Conduct Code. To aid in planning and visualization, students can utilize a PDF document detailing dorm layouts and measurements, view a virtual tour of the Bolt-Heyns-Timmer residence hall, and watch a video demonstrating various furniture arrangements. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared and supported during their residential experience at Calvin University, integrating living arrangements seamlessly into their broader educational journey. #ResidenceLife #StudentHousing #CampusLiving #DormRooms #CalvinUniversity #StudentAmenities #OnCampusExperience #UniversityHousing

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers a distinct first-year housing experience at its Hive complex, a significant departure from traditional college dormitories. Unlike the varied, traditional-style options at institutions like RISD, the majority of SCAD's first-year students are accommodated in the Hive, a modern, co-ed facility designed with a boutique hotel aesthetic rather than a typical student residence. The complex is composed of eight identical four-story buildings, each bearing a bee-themed name, such as Apiary, Bumble, and Honey. While Colony is reserved for upperclassmen and Dance for transfer students, the remaining buildings primarily house freshmen. Each suite within the Hive is designed for four students and features two double-occupancy rooms. A notable aspect of the design is the thoughtful layout that addresses common dormitory inconveniences. Specifically, the shower, toilet, and main bathroom sink are strategically placed in separate rooms, mitigating congestion and allowing multiple students to use facilities simultaneously. Additionally, a small kitchen sink adjacent to the bathroom offers an alternative for tasks like teeth brushing, further enhancing functionality. Each suite also includes a living room furnished with a couch, end tables, a coffee table, and a wall-mounted shelf suitable for a flat-screen TV. Individual residents are provided with an extra-long twin-size bed, a desk and chair, and a wardrobe with drawers, ensuring personal space and storage. Beyond the individual suites, the Hive complex boasts a comprehensive array of amenities. Every building is ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all students. Common facilities include a dining hall and a coffee shop, catering to students' culinary needs. For recreation and convenience, the complex features an on-site fitness center, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities with both SCAD Card and coin-operated machines. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are also available. Recognizing the importance of connectivity and modern services, the rooms are equipped with wireless internet access and cable television service. Furthermore, given Georgia's climate, all rooms are air-conditioned, and the Hive even functions as an Amazon Locker location, adding an extra layer of convenience for package deliveries. On-site security measures are in place to ensure a safe living environment for all residents. This meticulous attention to design and a wide range of amenities positions the Hive as a residential complex that prioritizes both functionality and comfort, offering an elevated living experience for SCAD's first-year students that aligns with contemporary living standards rather than conventional dormitory expectations. #SCAD #StudentHousing #DormDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CampusLife #DesignEducation #ResidentialAmenities

Clarkson University emphasizes that collaboration, connection, and success for its students begin with their living environment. The Residence Life staff at Clarkson University is dedicated to creating a welcoming, comfortable, and growth-oriented home for students. This commitment extends from housing options and community building to the move-in process. Students requiring medically related accommodations for housing are advised to contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). Familiarity with Clarkson Regulations and academic standards is also encouraged for all students. The Clarkson School offers a unique one-year residential program for high school seniors, allowing them to complete their senior year on campus, take first-year college courses, and access research opportunities, providing a head start on their bachelor's degree. The Residence Life section details various housing styles and pricing information. Clarkson is a four-year residential campus offering diverse living options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments, designed to evolve with students' academic journeys. Housing eligibility is based on the student cohort and the number of semesters lived on campus. All accommodations come furnished with essential items like beds, desks, dressers, and closets. Apartments additionally include a refrigerator, stove, and living/dining room furniture; however, students in apartments are responsible for their own kitchenware. A full dining plan is mandatory for all on-campus residents, except those living in apartments. First-Year Living-Learning Communities are a key component of the student experience, designed to help first-year students connect with peers who share similar interests through themed floors, such as those for gamers, makers, and movie lovers. The article also provides contact information for Residence Life staff, including the Residential Housing Manager and various Area Coordinators for different housing types and programs. CURL (Clarkson University ResLife Portal) serves as a centralized online hub for managing housing, dining, and residential life. Through CURL, students can apply for housing, view room assignments, complete roommate matching questionnaires, submit and track roommate requests, request room changes, complete room condition reports, view and request meal plan changes, access important housing documents, and participate in a community forum. The article categorizes housing options into Traditional, Suites, and Apartments. Traditional halls like Cubley, Reynolds, Ross, and Brooks (the Quad) house first-year students in double or triple rooms, with shared bathrooms cleaned by Facilities. Hamlin-Powers houses a mix of class years, primarily sophomores, in single and double rooms. Suite options include Moore House, offering traditional and standalone suites for up to eight people, with laundry rooms on each floor. Graham Hall primarily houses juniors in suites with private bathrooms and shared lounges, including a specific Living-Learning Community for FIRST Robotics. Price Hall offers suite-style rooms with private bathrooms and common lounges, housing The Clarkson School students and upper-class students. Apartment options, typically for senior and graduate students, include Woodstock Village, Riverside Apartments, Weston's Apartments (above the University Bookstore), and Townhouse Apartments. These apartments offer varying bedroom counts and communal facilities, with residents responsible for their own cleaning. Limited single rooms are available, primarily for upper-class students, through a housing lottery or medical approval. Key policies covered include multi-occupancy rooms, which may require students to receive a roommate at any time, and a room buy-out option in certain areas to avoid random roommate assignments. The university also maintains theme houses for fraternities. Practical information for students includes vending machines, campus mailboxes, direct delivery protocols (delivery staff not allowed in residential buildings), network access, parking, bicycle racks, and air conditioning policies (window units prohibited, floor units allowed). The university does not offer storage for personal belongings, and residents must remove all items when vacating housing. The article also outlines policies for commuter status, available for students living within 50 miles of campus at a parent or legal guardian's primary residence. Guidance on packing for college is provided, differentiating between essential items (bedding, towels, toiletries, clothes, personal fan), study aids (desk lamp, organizer, school supplies, headphones), and electronics (Energy Star appliances, computer, Ethernet cable, smart power strip). A crucial piece of advice is to coordinate MicroFridge rentals with roommates. Prohibited items include air conditioners, candles, grills, extension cords, full-size refrigerators, halogen lamps, LED light strips, space heaters, toaster ovens, waterbeds, wireless access points, and zip cords. Additional resources for new students cover topics like advice for first-year students, acclimating as a transfer student, dorm hacks, decorating dorms, overcoming homesickness, a roommate survival guide, and tips for move-in day. The university explicitly states it does not insure student property and recommends personal property insurance. Students are liable for damages to their rooms and common areas. Frequently Asked Questions address meal plans (required for traditional/suite housing, optional for apartments/theme houses), meal plan changes (within the first two weeks), roommate selection (survey matching or mutual requests), single room availability (upper-class lottery/medical), pet policy (service animals only), lost ID cards (report to Campus Safety & Security), lost keys (report to Campus Safety & Security, charged for replacement, duplication prohibited), and maintenance requests (online work order system). The policy on open beds states that Residence Life reserves the right to reassign students to vacant spaces. Information on campus breaks details policies for October/February breaks (university open, limited dining), November/Spring breaks (university closed, students must vacate unless approved by Residence Life), Winter break (students vacate after exams, graduates after commencement, exceptions with Residence Life approval), and Summer break (same as Winter break, no storage provided). Contact information for additional inquiries is provided at the end, along with links to request information, visit the campus, or apply. #ClarksonUniversity #ResidenceLife #StudentHousing #CampusLiving #LivingLearningCommunities #DormLife #StudentSupport #HousingOptions #MoveInGuide

Two engineering students, Peter Brewin and Will Crawford, who met at the Royal College of Art studying industrial engineering, developed an innovative inflatable concrete shelter for refugee relief. This concept, inspired by the compressive strength of an eggshell, was their entry in a British Cement Association competition to discover new uses for cement. The shelter addresses the critical need for safe, semi-permanent housing for refugees and displaced persons worldwide, a necessity underscored by the 33 million individuals currently in such situations. The core innovation of their design, which they term "concrete canvas," consists of two key components: a cement-impregnated cloth and inflatable formwork. The structure is packaged with a cement-impregnated fabric bonded to the outer surface of an inflatable plastic liner. To deploy the shelter, the sack is filled with water, which hydrates the cement. After approximately 15 minutes, the sack is cut open to form the ground sheet for the structure. Subsequently, a chemical pack is activated, releasing a controlled volume of gas that inflates the entire structure. Once inflated, the concrete begins to cure. After the curing process is complete, areas of the plastic skin that are not covered by the fabric are cut open to create doorways and ventilation points. This design allows for rapid deployment and provides a robust, weatherproof shelter that can withstand harsh conditions. Brewin and Crawford founded Concrete Canvas in Pontypridd, Wales, to further develop, manufacture, and market these new structures. Their primary focus remains on humanitarian applications, aiming to provide these shelters to aid organizations as cheaply as possible. Their personal experience visiting a refugee camp in Uganda during a tropical storm offered firsthand insight into the urgent need for such safe, semi-permanent shelters. This technology offers a practical and efficient solution for temporary housing in disaster zones and refugee camps, significantly improving living conditions for vulnerable populations. The simplicity of deployment, combined with the durability of concrete, presents a substantial advancement in humanitarian aid infrastructure. The students' commitment to humanitarian causes is central to their business model, prioritizing impact over profit in their sales to aid organizations. Their invention stands as a testament to how innovative material science and engineering can directly address pressing global challenges. #InflatableShelters #ConcreteCanvas #RefugeeRelief #HumanitarianAid #SustainableConstruction #EngineeringInnovation #EmergencyHousing