Shelves stocked with packaged foods including rice, pasta, canned goods, and jars, arranged in a storage or pantry area with labeled boxes and organized sections.

Trend Watch: Campus Convenience Is Having a Moment

From big chains to local favorites, convenience stores are a vital part of an area’s culture. And nowhere are these local cornerstones more essential than on college campuses. From big chains to local favorites, convenience stores are a vital part of an area’s culture. And nowhere are these local cornerstones more essential than on college campuses.

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Campus convenience students want

Today’s students expect more from campus convenience stores than snacks and essentials. Gen Z wants fresh, healthy options, inclusive products, frictionless technology and spaces that foster belonging. Modern campus markets like Food Hive help universities improve student satisfaction, wellbeing, and community connection through thoughtful, experience-driven retail.

Build convenience experiences that drive student success.

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  • Minimalist blue line icon of a grocery basket filled with items like a bottle, baguette, and produce, representing food shopping or essentials on a light background.

    Fresh & Dietary-Friendly Foods

    Across the U.S., students overwhelmingly lament the lack of grocery options. “I wish my campus offered more ingredients I could use to cook,” one shared.2 Some reported that they crave global ingredients for cooking authentic international food. Others stated that food allergies and other health concerns are their main reason for seeking out kitchen ingredients.

    Today, 20% of Gen Zers avoid foods due to allergies or other health concerns.3 To satisfy this large portion of students, it’s important that campus convenience stores offer a wide range of dietary-friendly products.

  • Minimalist blue line icon showing a triangular sandwich alongside a takeaway coffee cup with a lid, representing a quick meal or grab-and-go food on a light background.

    Quick & Healthy Options

    Grab and go. Heat and eat. Fruit and yogurt. From late-night bites to class snacks to post-workout fuel ups and everything in between, students are looking for a robust variety of quick ways to satisfy that hunger.4

    Our research shows students are passionate about improving their health and wellness. However, the products available on campus don’t always help them achieve their goals.5 So, when we asked our student insights community, The Quad Squad, about what types of products a campus convenience store should have available daily, it wasn’t a surprise that they resoundingly answered that meaningful variety (57%) and healthy options (47%) are their top needs.6

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Ingredients for student success

In this era where a sense of belonging is tantamount to student success, understanding what Gen Z really  needs from campus convenience is more important than ever. Modern convenience stores make it easy for campuses to care for students’ holistic needs, enhancing their access, well-being and satisfaction, all while providing a space for quick, meaningful connections. This human approach is fuel for a stronger campus community, when and where students need it most.

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