GITNUXREPORT 2025

Student Housing Statistics

Most students prefer off-campus housing due to independence and affordability.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In 2022, the global student housing market was valued at approximately $24 billion

Statistic 2

Student housing occupancy rates in the U.S. reach nearly 85% during peak semesters

Statistic 3

The turnover rate for student housing is approximately 25% annually

Statistic 4

Eco-friendly and sustainable student housing options have increased by over 20% in the past five years

Statistic 5

The number of students in university-sponsored housing in Canada increased by 8% in 2021

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Around 25% of university housing units are privately operated

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The percentage of flexible lease options in student housing has increased to 35%, reflecting higher student mobility

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The total investment in student housing globally reached over $50 billion in 2022

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Student housing occupancy rates in Australia average around 78%, lower than Canada or the U.S.

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The majority of student housing developments are expanding to include co-working spaces to attract millennial and Gen Z students

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Student housing construction projects globally reached approximately 8 million units in 2022

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The percentage of gender-neutral and inclusive housing options has increased by 15% over the past three years

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The use of virtual tours in student housing marketing has increased by 40% since 2020, improving virtual engagement

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The global demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has grown annually at a rate of 12%

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Student housing demand tends to spike prior to the start of academic terms, with occupancy rates reaching 95% in August

Statistic 16

The development of micro-units for students has increased by 25% over the past five years, responding to affordability and space constraints

Statistic 17

Student housing properties in Europe have seen a 10% growth in energy-efficient certifications in the last four years, emphasizing sustainability efforts

Statistic 18

Over 55% of student housing developments incorporate amenities such as gyms and study lounges

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In the U.S., approximately 10% of student housing units are equipped with smart home technology

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80% of university housing providers offer meal plan options, making meal convenience a standard feature

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90% of student housing facilities are equipped with security cameras to enhance safety

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About 20% of student housing units in the U.S. include above-standard amenities like gaming lounges, study pods, and rooftop terraces

Statistic 23

The number of on-campus housing complaints related to maintenance issues has decreased by 12% in the last three years, indicating improvements in property management

Statistic 24

The average annual cost of student housing in the U.S. is approximately $10,000

Statistic 25

The median rent for a student apartment in the U.S. is around $1,200 per month

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Over 60% of students report that housing costs significantly impact their academic performance

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15% of students report that their housing costs have caused them to take on student debt

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45% of international students find affordable housing as a major barrier to studying abroad

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In Australia, student housing costs have risen by an average of 5% annually over the last decade

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The average annual rent increase for student housing in Australia is around 3%, reflecting rising living costs

Statistic 31

In Japan, the average rent for student housing is approximately ¥45,000 per month

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Over 44% of college students live in on-campus housing

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Urban areas have a higher percentage of student housing options, with over 70% located in city centers

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40% of international students in the U.S. live in university dormitories

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The average size of a student apartment in the U.S. is about 400 square feet

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Approximately 30% of students work part-time jobs to cover housing costs

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The percentage of students living in on-campus housing has decreased by 10% over the last decade

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The average age of students in university housing is 19-21 years

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The median age of students living in off-campus private housing is 22 years

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The average length of stay in student housing is approximately 2.5 years

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Approximately 12 million students worldwide live in university-managed accommodations

Statistic 42

The share of students living in university dormitories in the U.K. has decreased to 25% in 2023, from 40% a decade ago

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About 35% of student housing residents are international students, highlighting the global demand for student accommodations

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65% of students prefer off-campus housing for more independence

Statistic 45

About 15% of students prefer living in co-living spaces

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Less than 5% of student housing apartments offer fully furnished units

Statistic 47

International students are 2.5 times more likely to live on-campus than domestic students

Statistic 48

The primary reason students choose off-campus housing is the desire for more space, cited by 70% of students

Statistic 49

80% of students consider safety a top priority when choosing housing

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The most preferred student housing location is within 1 mile of campus, held by about 65% of students

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Over 50% of students residing in on-campus housing report higher academic achievement, according to surveys

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60% of students report that reliable Wi-Fi is essential for their housing choice

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The percentage of students preferring fully furnished apartments has grown to 55%, demonstrating the demand for move-in-ready accommodations

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The average student housing commute time is 15 minutes, with 65% commuting by bike or foot

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70% of students prioritize proximity to public transportation when choosing housing

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Over 40% of students consider access to affordable utilities a key factor in housing choice

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The percentage of eco-conscious students opting for green-certified housing options is rising at 18% annually

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85% of students believe that the availability of communal spaces positively influences their housing satisfaction

Statistic 59

The percentage of learners choosing hybrid housing options (on/off-campus) grew by 20% during the last three years, reflecting flexibility in student preferences

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Key Highlights

Over 44% of college students live in on-campus housing
The average annual cost of student housing in the U.S. is approximately $10,000
65% of students prefer off-campus housing for more independence
In 2022, the global student housing market was valued at approximately $24 billion
Urban areas have a higher percentage of student housing options, with over 70% located in city centers
40% of international students in the U.S. live in university dormitories
The average size of a student apartment in the U.S. is about 400 square feet
Student housing occupancy rates in the U.S. reach nearly 85% during peak semesters
Approximately 30% of students work part-time jobs to cover housing costs
The median rent for a student apartment in the U.S. is around $1,200 per month
Over 60% of students report that housing costs significantly impact their academic performance
The percentage of students living in on-campus housing has decreased by 10% over the last decade
The turnover rate for student housing is approximately 25% annually

With over 44% of college students living on campus and the global student housing market valued at a staggering $24 billion in 2022, it’s clear that student accommodation is more than just a dorm — it’s a dynamic, evolving landscape that impacts students’ independence, academic success, and future opportunities.

Market Trends and Investment Analysis

In 2022, the global student housing market was valued at approximately $24 billion
Student housing occupancy rates in the U.S. reach nearly 85% during peak semesters
The turnover rate for student housing is approximately 25% annually
Eco-friendly and sustainable student housing options have increased by over 20% in the past five years
The number of students in university-sponsored housing in Canada increased by 8% in 2021
Around 25% of university housing units are privately operated
The percentage of flexible lease options in student housing has increased to 35%, reflecting higher student mobility
The total investment in student housing globally reached over $50 billion in 2022
Student housing occupancy rates in Australia average around 78%, lower than Canada or the U.S.
The majority of student housing developments are expanding to include co-working spaces to attract millennial and Gen Z students
Student housing construction projects globally reached approximately 8 million units in 2022
The percentage of gender-neutral and inclusive housing options has increased by 15% over the past three years
The use of virtual tours in student housing marketing has increased by 40% since 2020, improving virtual engagement
The global demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has grown annually at a rate of 12%
Student housing demand tends to spike prior to the start of academic terms, with occupancy rates reaching 95% in August
The development of micro-units for students has increased by 25% over the past five years, responding to affordability and space constraints
Student housing properties in Europe have seen a 10% growth in energy-efficient certifications in the last four years, emphasizing sustainability efforts

Market Trends and Investment Analysis Interpretation

With a global market surpassing $50 billion and occupancy rates peaking at nearly 95%, student housing is clearly the prime real estate for both keen investors and eco-conscious students seeking flexible, inclusive, and digitally-savvy accommodations in a rapidly evolving academic landscape.

Operational and Facility Features

Over 55% of student housing developments incorporate amenities such as gyms and study lounges
In the U.S., approximately 10% of student housing units are equipped with smart home technology
80% of university housing providers offer meal plan options, making meal convenience a standard feature
90% of student housing facilities are equipped with security cameras to enhance safety
About 20% of student housing units in the U.S. include above-standard amenities like gaming lounges, study pods, and rooftop terraces
The number of on-campus housing complaints related to maintenance issues has decreased by 12% in the last three years, indicating improvements in property management

Operational and Facility Features Interpretation

With over half of student housing offering amenities like gyms and lounges, smart tech in 10%, and safety cameras in 90%, it’s clear that modern student accommodations are balancing convenience and security—though only a fifth boast the luxury extras like rooftop terraces, highlighting a market that’s improving but still chasing innovation.

Pricing, Costs, and Economic Factors

The average annual cost of student housing in the U.S. is approximately $10,000
The median rent for a student apartment in the U.S. is around $1,200 per month
Over 60% of students report that housing costs significantly impact their academic performance
15% of students report that their housing costs have caused them to take on student debt
45% of international students find affordable housing as a major barrier to studying abroad
In Australia, student housing costs have risen by an average of 5% annually over the last decade
The average annual rent increase for student housing in Australia is around 3%, reflecting rising living costs
In Japan, the average rent for student housing is approximately ¥45,000 per month

Pricing, Costs, and Economic Factors Interpretation

With student housing costs soaring across the globe—from hitting $10,000 annually in the U.S. to rising steady in Australia and Japan—it's clear that the true lesson isn't just about paying rent but paying the price of education itself.

Student Housing Demographics and Characteristics

Over 44% of college students live in on-campus housing
Urban areas have a higher percentage of student housing options, with over 70% located in city centers
40% of international students in the U.S. live in university dormitories
The average size of a student apartment in the U.S. is about 400 square feet
Approximately 30% of students work part-time jobs to cover housing costs
The percentage of students living in on-campus housing has decreased by 10% over the last decade
The average age of students in university housing is 19-21 years
The median age of students living in off-campus private housing is 22 years
The average length of stay in student housing is approximately 2.5 years
Approximately 12 million students worldwide live in university-managed accommodations
The share of students living in university dormitories in the U.K. has decreased to 25% in 2023, from 40% a decade ago
About 35% of student housing residents are international students, highlighting the global demand for student accommodations

Student Housing Demographics and Characteristics Interpretation

With over half of U.S. students now choosing off-campus living and international students comprising 35% of residents worldwide, the evolving landscape of student housing reveals a shifting balance between tradition and independence, as urban centers dominate over dormitories and young scholars navigate both limited space and rising costs—proving that in higher education, where you live is increasingly a reflection of how the world is changing.

Student Preferences and Lifestyle Factors

65% of students prefer off-campus housing for more independence
About 15% of students prefer living in co-living spaces
Less than 5% of student housing apartments offer fully furnished units
International students are 2.5 times more likely to live on-campus than domestic students
The primary reason students choose off-campus housing is the desire for more space, cited by 70% of students
80% of students consider safety a top priority when choosing housing
The most preferred student housing location is within 1 mile of campus, held by about 65% of students
Over 50% of students residing in on-campus housing report higher academic achievement, according to surveys
60% of students report that reliable Wi-Fi is essential for their housing choice
The percentage of students preferring fully furnished apartments has grown to 55%, demonstrating the demand for move-in-ready accommodations
The average student housing commute time is 15 minutes, with 65% commuting by bike or foot
70% of students prioritize proximity to public transportation when choosing housing
Over 40% of students consider access to affordable utilities a key factor in housing choice
The percentage of eco-conscious students opting for green-certified housing options is rising at 18% annually
85% of students believe that the availability of communal spaces positively influences their housing satisfaction
The percentage of learners choosing hybrid housing options (on/off-campus) grew by 20% during the last three years, reflecting flexibility in student preferences

Student Preferences and Lifestyle Factors Interpretation

While a clear preference for off-campus independence and proximity prevails, the rising demand for furnished, eco-friendly, and hybrid housing—alongside safety and connectivity—reveals students’ smart balancing act between comfort, convenience, and sustainability in today’s evolving student housing landscape.