The bowling alley at 900 Factory in Logan, Utah near Utah State University. (900 Factory Website)
College living isn’t quite as simple as it used to be. No longer is your only option a dilapidating house with five people you’ll soon know all too well. Over the years, hundreds of luxury off-campus student housing complexes have been popping up around the nation. Even having granite counter tops and a pool just isn’t enough of a draw for students at some campuses.
To step up their game, the players in the student housing industry have had to include other amenities that set them apart from the rest. Here’s a list of some over-the-top and crazy amenities that no student needs, but every student enjoys!
1. Lazy River
The District on Apache at Arizona State University, Tempe-AZ (EdR)
Sure, every student housing complex built nowadays has a pool, but what they don’t have is a lazy river! Grab your (provided) tube and float down the river the with friends while sipping a margarita. It’s like a mini-vaca from school!
2. Recording Studio
CP Cincy at University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati-OH (M&A Real Estate Partners)
Are you the next Beyonce? At CP Cincy they have a full recording studio equipped with a synthesizer, keyboard, speakers, computer, and vocal booth. Now you can stop annoying your roommates and neighbors and practice with your crew in this soundproof space. Basement and garage band upgrade!
3. Bear X complete with a craft brewery
Barracks Townhomes at Texas A&M University, College Station-TX (Barracks Management Group)
The Barracks already has an outdoor fitness center and wakeboard park. To step it up a notch, upon completion, Bear X will be Texas’s very own Vegas-style outdoor club. A $15-million budget gives students a beach, VIP cabanas, concert venue, restaurant, hot tubs, swim up bar, and craft brewery! All in your backyard!
4. Salon and Spa
The Retreat at Tucson at University of Arizona, Tucson-AR (Campus Apartments)
Just aced your final? Just failed your final? Cheer yourself up with a manicure, pedicure, or massage. Treat yo self!
5. Seasonal Ice Skating Rink
Hub Madison at University of Wisconsin, Madison-WI (EdR)
When the harsh Wisconsin weather hits, the ice skating rink opens up! Grab your date and a cup of hot cocoa and skate around the rink.
6. Outdoor Movie Theater
The Vue on Stadium Drive at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville-AR (University Student Living)
Ok, so movie theaters in apartment complexes aren’t uncommon anymore, but The Vue takes it to a new level with their outdoor movie theater that sits poolside. Whether you want to hang out in a private cabana and catch the flick or float in the pool, it’s your choice!
7. Bowling Alley
900 Factory at Utah State University, Logan-UT (Nelson Brothers)
As if their double decker hot tub wasn’t enough, let’s add in a two-lane bowling alley! Grab the pizza and soda and you have a perfect Friday night in with friends. The best part is your bed is only an elevator ride away.
8. Lake Tamaha
The Retreat at Lake Tamaha at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa-AL (Landmark Properties)
At the Retreat, private cottages line Lake Tamaha and students have access to the 45-acre lake. Spend the day kayaking, fishing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun.
9. Car Wash Station
Sanctuary Suites at San Diego State University, San Diego-CA (American Campus Communities)
Well, why not? Everything else has already been done. Why drive around town looking for a car wash when your apartment already has one? You’ll have the most sparkly, squeaky clean car in the city!
10. Rock Wall
Woodlands of Baton Rouge at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge-LA
Take your fitness level to all new heights at your very own rock climbing wall. On belay!
11. Boat Access to River
The Bluff at Waterworks Landing at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa-AL (IMS Management)
They’ll give you “50 great reasons” why you should live here but what caught our eye was the boat access to William Bacon Oliver Lake. Who doesn’t like boat parties and tie-ups?
Well, there you have it! Our top picks for crazy amenities at off-campus student housing complexes. If this is student housing in 2017, just imagine what our list will be like in years to come!
Ali Bartmer
Chips and salsa aficionado, Ali Bartmer joined the Rent College Pads team in the fall of 2016 as the Operations Assistant and has since become a Content crafter. Cat mom of one, Ali prides herself in being a Bloody Mary connoisseur and with her Masters from Hogwarts there’s nothing Ali can’t do.