Young person walking outdoors on a sunny day, carrying notebooks and a backpack, with other students walking behind across a campus or urban walkway.

What today’s students expect from their campus experience

The Student Lifestyle Survey Report explores what builds connection at universities and how campuses can better support today’s students.

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  • 633 

    Students surveyed

  • 347 

    Parents surveyed 

  • 33% 

    First-gen students

  • 18% 

    Student athletes

  • Group of people standing outdoors near a modern building, holding takeout food boxes and utensils while socializing in a bright, urban setting.

    30% 

    say campus dining is the top driver of community

  • People standing indoors at a food service counter, receiving meals in cardboard containers from staff wearing gloves, with a modern interior and blue wall in the background.

    63%

    increase in students prioritizing dining options

  • Two people sitting on outdoor steps, eating from takeout food containers, with backpacks and printed papers beside them in a casual urban setting.

    54%

    satisfied with campus dining experiences

    Students want to feel welcome, connected and supported. Dining plays a powerful role in creating these experiences by bringing students together, shaping daily routines and creating a sense of belonging.

    Key Insights Shaping Campus Life

    • Forging their path

      Students are weighing if and where they want to attend college. Cost, campus culture, and belonging all influence these decisions.
      Top-down view of people studying at a table with an open book, laptop, coffee mug, and a bowl of cereal, combining coursework and casual dining in a shared workspace.

    • Finding their connection

      Students seek meaningful ways to connect. Welcoming environments and shared dining spaces play a major role in student engagement.
      Group of people sitting outdoors near colorful structures, sharing slices of pizza and chatting together in a casual urban setting with food trucks in the background.

    • Focusing on their future 

      Students expect college to prepare them for what comes next. They look for experiences that build skills, confidence, and opportunities for success. 
      Group of people sitting outdoors near colorful structures, sharing slices of pizza and chatting together in a casual urban setting with food trucks in the background.

    Key insights shaping campus life

    Discover the data and insights helping colleges create environments where students feel connected, supported and prepared for the future. 

    Download the full report
    Collage featuring groups of students socializing, studying, and sharing meals, alongside text promoting the 2024–2025 Student Lifestyle Survey report in an urban campus context.
    • Dietary Inclusivity icon.

      Dietary inclusivity

      Students expect dining options that meet their dietary needs – because everyone deserves meals that support their lifestyle and well-being.

    • Meal Plans icon.

      Meal plans

      Flexible meal plans make dining convenient and encourage students to gather, strengthening campus community and engagement.

    • Technology in Dining icon.

      Technology in dining

      Mobile ordering, digital menus and cardless payment tools help students stay fueled while navigating busy schedules. 

    • Nutrition and Well-Being icon.

      Nutrition & well-being

      Students want nutritious options that are healthy and help them stay energized, focused, and ready to succeed.

    Your Questions Answered

    The Student Lifestyle Survey Report

    As true partners in the student journey, Sodexo has made it a priority to uncover shifting trends in campus life and student expectations by surveying current undergraduate students. This report provides insights into many facets shaping the modern college student’s campus experience.

     

    Open magazine showing student lifestyle survey with campus photos and statistical charts.

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