Point Park University has partnered with the Wyndham Grand hotel in Downtown to provide off-campus housing for up to 90 freshmen this semester. According to Louis Corsaro, a spokesperson for the university, the hotel is conveniently located just a 5 to 6-minute walk from campus.
This year’s freshman class is projected to grow by over 25%, making it the largest group in the university’s history. As a result, on-campus housing is already full, leaving some students without rooms. The surge in enrollment is attributed to the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling and lacrosse teams, as well as increased interest in the Conservatory of Performing Arts. This includes the recent establishment of the School of Dance and the School of Theatre, Film and Animation.
The university plans to use 40 to 45 rooms at the Wyndham Grand during the fall semester, revisiting the contract each semester. Students living at the hotel will have a resident assistant to help them adjust to college life.
The University of Pittsburgh also faced similar challenges, renting out multiple hotel locations for hundreds of first-year students. This trend highlights a growing need for flexible housing solutions at colleges nationwide. In fact, a recent survey found that 70% of universities across the U.S. reported increased demand for student housing.
The students at the Wyndham Grand won’t see any extra costs, and each room comes equipped with two queen-sized beds. Point Park has previously collaborated with the hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing a strong ongoing relationship.
It’s clear that both Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh are adapting to meet the needs of a growing student population. As higher education institutions evolve, so must their housing strategies, highlighting the importance of flexibility and community support in student life.
For further insights on college enrollment trends and housing solutions, you can check the National Center for Education Statistics here.