Thought bubbles: How good room design delivers better study results

With a thousand digital distractions available (on top of the usual sudden need to colour code wardrobes or alphabetise book collections) it’s hard enough for students to keep focused on study without their room being uncomfortable. Here’s how to make sure the room set-up can’t be blamed for your residents’ procrastination.

Good student accommodation in New Zealand is safe, warm and comfortable. Great student accommodation is all of the previous and provides an attractive and productive study space, one with carefully considered design, construction and fit-out standards. These smaller details can make such a difference between passing grades and surpassing expectations.

A residential hall is the first real move away from home for most students, rife with possibilities to be independent. Work ethic and self-control are often hard-learned lessons. However, it’s in everyone’s interest that students can juggle their classes and their social lives. After all, only students enrolled in classes can stay in a residential hall.

With some good quality furniture and a thoughtful layout, student rooms should be conducive to learning. Given comfortable seating and space to put their things without clutter, plus a little bit of peace and quiet, most residents will find their stride and learn to earn their party time once the work is done.

The comfort/study equation

When it comes to being comfortable, fit-outs for study are in somewhat of a Goldilocks situation. Too comfortable and it’s hard to focus, with sleep and distraction always close by. Too uncomfortable and the student will have to leave the room and find other areas to study in. So, what’s the ‘just right’ solution?

When bulk buying desks and chairs for residential halls, structural integrity, comfort and ergonomics should be top of the list. Furniture may be roughly used behind closed doors, making cheaper options a false economy. Choose chairs that are cushioned and adjustable for comfort to allow for different body types. Swiveling office chairs are the best option, with good lumbar support.

The desk should include a storage space, where students can arrange their books and paper. Keeping everything organised will help them get stuck in their work without being distracted by a cluttered mess (or frustrated by looking for lost notes).

Everything starts with sleep

A day of study ahead can be hugely affected by sleep the night before. Ensuring your residents get the best kip possible is essential to both their wellbeing and their results. A comfortable bed with good quality, warm bedding will help even the most homesick of your guests to sleep well.

Our Quickits make it easy to set up many beds with one simple order. These contain DreamGreen waterproof pillows, quilt, sheets, pillow cases, as well as a towel and facecloth. They come in a handy drawstring bag which students will often use for laundry.

Excellent mattresses will be an investment that should last through many years and students. Innerspring construction tends to be better for guests of a variety of different weights and heights. These Makers Napa mattresses are a common purchase for residential halls as they have a comfortable foam top that pleases all styles of sleepers (and they’re hypoallergenic for those who suffer from seasonal sniffles).

Flying colours

When setting up student accommodation, it may not be a top priority to consider the choice of the wall colour, but it does require some thought.

When setting up student accommodation, it’s important to give careful thought to the choice of wall colour. While it may be tempting to go bold with colour choices, many students find primary red, vibrant purple, or lime green distracting and feel that it doesn’t suitably represent their personality. Opting for neutral colours is often the best choice. Additionally, providing a wall or section of pin board allows students to personalize their space without causing damage with pins and blu-tack.

When it comes to flooring, an easy clean option such as a wood-look laminate or linoleum will last longer than carpet. Spills and stains can happen in even the more careful student’s space, so making it as easy as possible to soak them up will help prolong the life of the flooring.

Shedding light on study

To ensure good study results for students, use a combination of natural and artificial light. A decent lamp at the desk will help during late-night cram sessions, with an energy-efficient bulb that won’t blow out when students need it most. Avoid overhead lamps, as they can strain the eyes, create glare, and cast shadows across the desk. Provide both task lighting and room lighting for the best results.

Ensure ample access to natural light, but avoid placing desks next to windows, as it can be distracting and cause discomfort from excessive heat in the summer or cold in the winter. If possible, incorporate window seats to offer an extra comfortable space for reading notes away from the desk.

For any questions or to make an order for your student accommodation bedding and furniture, email or call our friendly local service team. They’re always ready to help out!