December 1, 2025
Moving Across the Country? Here’s How to Plan
Moving across the country is exciting: a new job, a new city, a new chapter. But it’s also a challenge that tests your planning skills (an...
The way students approach higher education is evolving at a rapid pace, and colleges and universities must work quickly to keep up and remain competitive. While there are several ways to do this, one that many often overlook is upgrading and modernizing campus spaces. It’s no longer acceptable to have “good enough” or even “nice-to-have” furniture and decor. Your campus requires fixtures that differentiate you from the competition and serve as a quiet but powerful recruitment lever.
When students choose a college or university, they aren’t just choosing a place to learn. They’re choosing a lifestyle that resonates with them and their learning style and needs, particularly within the walls they’ll inhabit over the next two, four, or more years. They want a place that will contribute to their overall well-being as well as spaces that are inclusive and that support social interactions.
It’s also important to note that student bodies are becoming increasingly diverse. Whether students are on campus full-time or part-time, learning in a hybrid format, or taking just one class or pursuing a certificate, these factors can influence what they want and need from a school environment. That means these spaces should be flexible and dynamic.
The 2023 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report notes that Gen Z—the generation making up most current and soon-to-be college students—values campus spaces that foster community and connection. The report states that 76% prioritize access to collaborative environments, and 68% emphasize inclusive design that supports social interaction as well as mental wellness.
These aren’t just preferences—they’re deciding factors. When choosing a college, younger generations will gravitate toward campuses that reflect these values. So, how can you make this a priority? Adding biophilic design elements—such as natural features, shapes, patterns, and processes—into your built environment is a great place to start. Ergonomic seating also sends a holistic message to students, showing that you care about their comfort and overall well-being.
The way you arrange your furniture and other fixtures is essential as well. Configurations should support both quiet reflection and peer interaction at the same time. A student who wants to sit quietly or study alone should feel as welcome in the environment as someone who is seeking social interactions and a sense of belonging. That means remaining flexible, dynamic, and prepared to shift at any given time.
However, let’s face it: furniture and fixtures for campus spaces are a major capital investment. That alone could prevent your school from staying up-to-date with modern demands. However, when you partner with CORT, we can help ensure that your school doesn’t waste money on furniture that may not be useful within the year, or even by the next semester.
Our Furniture-as-a-Service program allows you to design your student spaces and evolve with your student body rapidly without making that investment, which empowers your institution to create that inclusive, high-impact, and adaptable environment that changes with your needs. Not only does this allow you to make changes quickly, but we’re there with you every step of the way. Our experts can even help you plan an optimal space.
When a student takes an admission tour of your campus, they’re not just there to learn about academics. After all, they already figured out much of that or they most likely wouldn’t be there. They want to experience your campus culture and vibe beyond the classroom. That’s why the first impression is everything.
Lobbies, lounges, and common areas can have a big impact on a potential future student’s perception. They’re the first points of physical contact for students and their families, and they set the tone for your school. Is it welcoming? Is it modern? Is it student-centric? Can the student see themselves studying, meeting people, hanging out, or just taking a few moments to regroup?
Young students want to feel safe, comfortable, and well-represented. Your space must resonate emotionally and provide them with a clear vision of their future selves engaging with your campus. If you can sell them on that, you’re that much closer to future enrollment.
But you have to know what type of environment encourages your unique campus culture and students to thrive. Partnering with CORT is the simplest, least expensive, and most effective way to do this. Our flexible furniture rental model can empower your institution, providing you with the time and space you need to experiment with what works best for culture.
Do your students seek sleek, modern aesthetics or are they searching for a cozy space that reminds them of home? When you work with us, you can experiment with styles, layouts, and functionalities, to meet student expectations as they evolve and determine what works best at any given time. There’s no long-term investment, and you’re never locked into one single look.
Creating an engaging space for your students shouldn’t just be about appearances though. Your commitment to your student body doesn’t stop once they’ve committed to your school. You need to be there for them for the next semester and the next until they’ve completed their time with you. The benefits are numerous for both of you.
Students who feel supported by their college or university are more likely to persist in their studies, even when times are challenging. We’ve all been there—young adults on campuses who hit a roadblock and feel like the world is caving in on us. Students who overcome those challenges are more likely to continue their higher education career, remain enrolled, and thrive academically. This drives your ROI, impacting retention rates, student performance, and overall campus satisfaction, and it helps build your reputation through word of mouth.
One critical factor in creating that sense of support is addressing mental health needs. As Inside Higher Ed reports, “Student mental health concerns are on the rise, and college leaders are addressing them in every area of campus life.” This includes rethinking how physical spaces influence well-being—through light, sound, décor, and dedicated areas for relaxation. Many campuses now feature wellness rooms, sensory spaces, and other environments designed to help students recharge and manage stress.
If you feel your campus is falling behind, partnering with CORT can get you up to date with flexibility and speed. Whether it’s outfitting a sensory room with calming, home-like furnishings or setting up adaptable furniture in collaborative study zones, CORT’s rental model ensures spaces can evolve with student needs. With options for cozy textures, modern finishes, and modular layouts, universities can tailor environments that reflect a range of emotional and functional needs.
As higher education institutions face intense enrollment competition, creating adaptable, student-centered spaces through flexible furniture solutions has become a critical lever for recruitment, retention, and student success.
Partner with CORT to design spaces that not only impress on the tour but deliver lasting value in student engagement and satisfaction.
