3 Trends Transforming the Modern Campus Experience in 2026

Ah college, the good ol’ days. A time when your biggest concerns were making it to class on time, your dining dollars running out, and whether you could survive on four hours of sleep and a strong coffee. Those were the days…

But what about today?

The campus-going experience in 2026 looks very different from what it did just a few years ago. Statistics help to reveal just how much: 

• 84% of students living on campus consider reliable internet access as essential as campus safety and academic quality. 
• 56% of students report that social media matters most when they begin considering colleges.
• 60% of Americans viewed gun violence as a major problem, an 11% increase from the year prior.

These aren’t just random statistics either. They point to what students and visitors consider when evaluating their campus experience. 

The following three trends reveal what campus-goers value most in 2026 and the role Pedestal PRO plays in delivering on those values:

1. Connectivity That’s No Longer Confined 

Students no longer limit their work and social lives to classrooms and dorms. Today, learning, collaboration, and even relaxation happen everywhere.This means reliable Wi-Fi in campus greenspaces is now table stakes. A connected campus empowers students and visitors to make the most of their time there.

But connectivity isn’t only about convenience. Modern campuses are embracing multi-purpose, integrated technology that blends safety, communication, and productivity into one seamless solution.

Pedestal PRO’s Role: Our modern blue light towers are more than an emergency button. With support for cameras, lighting, data connectivity, Wi-Fi-enabled calling, and more, these towers are more like a technology hub. We’ve now made it possible to push your technological edge to the farthest parking lot and quietest courtyard.  What’s more, they are completely customizable to reflect your school’s brand. Think of it as a security guard, an IDF closet, and a mascot all rolled into one. 
 

1. Image Is Everything

With social media and in-person tours playing an important role in how students and parents perceive potential schools, every detail matters. Thoughtful design and visual consistency across a campus contribute to a sense of intentionality. 

This looks like security solutions integrated seamlessly into existing spaces, not bolt-on afterthoughts. It looks like a modern display of school pride that also delivers critical services where they are needed most. Most importantly, it feels like a campus that cares about the people who walk its paths.

Would you want a broken, dated piece of security infrastructure seen in a viral TikTok video of your school? We didn’t think so. 

Pedestal PRO’s Role: Pedestal PRO’s blue light towers are designed to blend seamlessly with campus aesthetics while signaling safety. They can be endlessly customized with full-color images and a variety of finishes. We’ve even made it easy for A&Es and designers to design these solutions with click-and-drop resource folders. So whether a parent is visiting for the first time or a student is headed back to school, Pedestal PRO ensures that the blue lights covering your campus promote the image of reassurance and belonging. 

1. A New Definition of Help

With active-shooter incidents dominating the news cycle and no shortage of true-crime content, students, staff, and visitors rightfully prioritize their personal safety on campus. They want to know that help is available when they need it most, hence the widespread use of blue light towers. 

But in 2026, campus-goers expect assistance with everyday needs too. This includes finding directions, requesting an escort to their vehicle, or simply getting some reassurance in unfamiliar spaces. By redefining what kind of help is offered and making it readily accessible, campuses position themselves not only as a safe place to be, but also as the place to be. 

Pedestal PRO’s Role: While blue light towers were originally used for a single-purpose distress call, they have evolved into multi-functional hubs of support. Our custom blue light towers can deliver wayfinding assistance alongside gunshot detection, Wi-Fi connectivity alongside visual monitoring, and lighting alongside emergency communications. Most importantly, their sleek, approachable look reduces anxiety without increasing fear. We don’t limit help to worst-case scenarios, allowing everyone to feel confident and comfortable while experiencing campus to the fullest. 

Looking Ahead

One thing’s for sure: the expectations of the campus experience will continue to rise beyond 2026. There will always be a call for technology to do more – serve more purposes, adapt to more risk, and be more helpful.  The most successful campuses respond to these expectations as the basis for the future.

Pedestal PRO stands as your ready partner, providing blue light housings designed for today and tomorrow.  Browse our blue light solutions today.