These 'nano apartments' may be the future of college dorms

The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, is looking towards 140-square-foot micro-apartments to solve a student housing crisis.

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The college currently has a waiting list of over 6,000 students for on-campus housing, according to The Province. Many students are having trouble finding affordable housing in Vancouver, which is now the most expensive city in North America.

nano ubc student housing
UBC

UBC is now seeking to remedy the issue with "nano suites" that will each have their own kitchen, bathroom, bed, and desk. The rent will range from $675 to $695 per month, making the tiny apartments the least expensive option UBC offers its students for on-campus housing.

"One of [students'] biggest challenges is finding affordable housing," Andrew Parr, the managing director of student housing and hospitality services at UBC, told CBC News.

The college is currently creating 70 of these units for a pilot project. They will be a part of a $70 million housing complex with 650 student residences that will be completed by 2019.

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UBC built one of its "nano" units in a student lounge area. Keep scrolling to see what it looks like inside.

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This is a "nano suite" that is currently being tested by the University of British Colombia.

nano ubc student housing
UBC

At a minuscule 140 square feet, the apartments come with their own mini kitchen.

nano ubc student housing
UBC
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There's also a bathroom, complete with a shower.

nano ubc student housing
UBC

And a study area ...

nano ubc student housing
UBC
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... that folds down to reveal a bed.

 

The units will range from $675 a month to $695 a month. Here's one mock-up of a floor plan.

nano ubc student housing
UBC
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And here's another with a bigger bed and desk.

nano ubc student housing
UBC

The college is currently creating 70 of these units for a pilot project. They will be a part of a $70 million housing complex with 650 student residences that will be completed by 2019.

nano ubc student housing
UBC
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The complex will also have its own bus terminal as well as storage for bikes.

nano ubc student housing
UBC

The new "nano" residences could solve UBC's student housing issue. In 2015, there were 6,300 students on the waiting list for on-campus apartments.

nano ubc student housing
UBC

Source: CBC News

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Currently, UBC is displaying a 140-square-foot model of the tiny dorms for students to test out.

nano ubc student housing
UBC
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Take an inside video tour of the unit below.

UBC SHHS Nano Suite Virtual Tour from Picture and Color on Vimeo.

 

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