If your memory of a college dorm involves a shivery walk to the communal shower and a twin mattress so thin it curled in the corners, welcome to campus living today, the era of urban-style loft apartments with balconies, private bathrooms and double—yes, double—beds.
It’s such an improvement over housing options of the last century, students might not want to leave.
And that is all part of the design.
The model for this new deluxe campus living is the Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall, under construction on the old intramural field. It offers all the amenities of modern apartments: kitchenettes, lounges, a peaceful courtyard, stylish furnishings.
But Perper Hall offers one thing no off-campus complex can: living at Lynn.
Keeping students immersed in the campus lifestyle is an essential part of the college experience, said Meagan Elsberry, director of housing and residence life.
“When students live on campus, they’re more likely to succeed. If they’re hanging out at the fire pit, going to games at Bobby Campbell Stadium, meeting friends at the commons, they connect with Lynn.”
Cliff Bollmann, project manager for Gensler, the architectural firm behind the new residence hall, said using good design to keep students on campus is a national trend.
“There is tremendous competition to retain students. The culture of the institution is very important to the effort, and buildings enhance that culture.”
Perper Hall will add 170 beds, a 20 percent increase in on-campus occupancy. Elsberry said the new dorm will alleviate a recent housing crunch.
Using design to influence student success
It’s a balancing act, this new approach to on-campus living. It honors privacy bathrooms (for only two roommates) as much as connection (open patios). It recognizes that learning can take place anywhere (Wi-Fi everywhere) and that natural light trumps any lightbulb (windows galore).
Once Perper Hall is built, Elsberry said, the plan is to provide housing for anyone who wants it.
“It’s good for students. And it’s good for Lynn.”
Dorms can seal the deal
According to a survey by APPA in Facilities Manager magazine, unappealing housing is the No. 1 reason colleges fail to seal the deal with prospective students.
On the flip side, though, is the persuasive power of a modern, inviting dorm. Dorms rank second in students’ decision-making process, after facilities related to their specific majors.
“Perper Hall will be a selling point for the campus,” Elsberry said. “That stylish suite-style loft living is a powerful recruitment tool. And a powerful retention tool, too.”
Not their parents’ dorm
Dorm life is undergoing a revolution: Compare Perper Hall with Lynn housing in 1990.
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