Comforts of Home: 2026 Housing Survey Highlights the Staff Behind FSU’s Residential Experience
Date - September 3rd 2026
Comforts of Home: 2026 Housing Survey Highlights the Staff Behind FSU’s Residential Experience
For Florida State University students, a positive residential experience extends beyond the physical spaces where they live. Clean and well-maintained facilities, responsive service, and supportive relationships with Housing and Facilities staff all contribute to creating a comfortable place to call home.
Each year, University Housing participates in the Benchworks by Elentra survey, which provides a comprehensive assessment of students’ experiences with on-campus housing. Additionally, the survey benchmarks Carnegie class peer institutions, providing rankings amongst colleges and universities nationwide.
The 2026 results reflect the continued strength of FSU’s residential experience. Following the significant post-pandemic improvements highlighted in last year’s results, this year’s findings demonstrate sustained progress across key areas, including the cleanliness of public spaces, timeliness of repairs, quality of cleaning services, and overall satisfaction with university housing.
The year-over-year results are particularly meaningful because maintaining high satisfaction requires consistent effort. The continued positive trajectory reflects the daily work of University Housing and Facilities employees who maintain residential communities and support students throughout the academic year. Although rankings vary from year to year, the university's housing department has observed an increase in overall satisfaction, positioning us among the highest level of Carnegie Institutions and others across all categories.
Survey rankings provide valuable insight into student satisfaction, but students’ written responses offer an equally valuable perspective on the work of FSU Facilities staff. Across residence halls, students consistently recognized custodial and maintenance teams for their dedication to keeping their living environments clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Their comments highlight not only the quality of the services provided, but also the positive relationships Facilities employees build with students through their daily interactions.
Students frequently described staff members as friendly, responsive, and hardworking, while many responses highlighted personal interactions that extended beyond the services employees provide.
At Cawthon Hall, students offered numerous examples of the personal impact made by maintenance and custodial employees. One student shared that a maintenance employee opens the door each morning for the student, who has been using crutches. Another praised the Cawthon maintenance team, while additional responses recognized the custodial staff and repair teams for their responsiveness.
At Deviney Hall, students frequently recognized the cleaning staff for their friendliness and keeping the building sparkling. One student described the employee who cleans the fourth floor as “the GOAT,” noting that they exchange “good morning” greetings throughout the week. Another student praised the cleaning staff as “phenomenal” and that they are extremely friendly.
Students in Dorman Hall recognized maintenance and custodial staff. One student specifically praised Steve Kleuver for personally responding to a cold-water issue, assessing the situation and clearly explaining the steps being taken to address the problem. The student shared that "Steve Kleuver was amazing to interact with." Other students highlighted the custodians and air-conditioning maintenance staff for their kindness.
Landis Hall residents recognized both custodial and maintenance employees. One student gave special recognition to Cartez from the custodial team, writing that he “deserves a raise times 100!!!!” Another praised Sam and the Landis maintenance staff for helping rearrange beds to create additional space while always being "super friendly" in the halls.
At Ragans Hall, students repeatedly praised the cleaning staff. One student shared that Tony’s daily work “makes everything a lot better to live in,” while another described Anise, who cares for Ragans 3, as “amazing.”
In Reynolds Hall, students recognized maintenance and custodial staff for their contributions. One student shared that the cleaning staff members they see each morning “make my day better without knowing it.”
Students in Rogers Hall praised the building’s cleaning and maintenance teams for being “kind and helpful.” Responses also recognized Facilities employee Melvin Wilson for his support.
At Salley Hall, students consistently recognized custodial and maintenance employees for their hard work. One student expressed appreciation for staff members who are “constantly keeping the building nice and clean,” while another noted that the cleaning staff are “always nice and respectful.”
Traditions Hall students repeatedly recognized Linda Gathers and the custodial team. One student described Ms. Linda as “always really helpful whenever I have a problem” and “super nice and friendly.” Another praised her support in advocating for maintenance requests and checking in with residents.
Finally, students in Wildwood Hall recognized cleaning and maintenance employees for their dedication and positive interactions with residents. One student described the Wildwood North cleaning staff as “awesome,” “friendly” and “hard workers.” Another gave a special shoutout to Greg, a cleaning staff member who regularly talks with students and encourages them to prioritize their education.
The 2026 survey results demonstrate that a strong residential experience requires more than maintaining buildings and completing service requests. Consistent, high-quality service depends on the people who care for FSU’s residential communities every day.
A clean hallway, a timely repair, a friendly greeting or a staff member taking the time to answer a question can have a lasting effect on a student’s experience. The survey responses demonstrate how those everyday interactions contribute to students’ sense of comfort and belonging on campus.
Above all, the 2026 survey highlights the people behind FSU’s housing experience. The custodial, maintenance, and Housing staff, and other team members who serve students each day play a fundamental role in creating communities where students can feel comfortable, supported, and at home.