How To Create The Perfect Amenity Space In Student Accommodation | LOFT

What first springs to mind when you think about amenity space in student accommodation? Do you see pictures of pool tables, comfy sofas and the occasional beer bottle and pizza box? You’re not wrong for thinking about these things, but instead of focusing on items, let’s take a deeper look at the concept.

So, what is amenity space in student accommodation? Well, it’s a place where students come to hang out when:

• They’ve got some free time
• They want to meet up with friends
• And when they want to relax after a hard day of studying

A pool table and sofa certainly helps with the points above, but they don’t really nail down what amenity space is all about. You can’t just put them in any room and expect the students to flock to it.

To create the perfect amenity space in student accommodation, you have to know what part each area really plays in the grand scheme of things. Then, you can furnish individual areas to better meet those needs.

Take a look below for our key tips on how to create the ideal amenity area.

KNOW THE PURPOSE OF YOUR STUDENT AMENITY SPACES

Before furnishing an area, ask yourself one very important question: “What is the purpose of this space?”

Are you creating an area where the students are meant to be energetic and having fun, or is this space going to be a calm and relaxing chill-out zone? Once you’ve decided the purpose of a room, you’ll find it a lot easier to work out what you should be doing by keeping that core function in mind.

For example, if you’re putting together a chill-out zone, you’ll want to encourage that feeling of calm and tranquility as much as possible. This might mean using:

• Natural colour schemes (sky blues and grassy greens)
• Adding plantlife
• Soundproof booths
• Soft, plushy scatter cushions to adorn comfy sofas

On the reverse side of the coin, a more lively room might have:

• Big, bold colour schemes
• Plenty of seats around tables
• More distractions (think pool, air hockey tables and board games)

A range of different amenity spaces is needed in student accommodation, so don’t limit yourself to one or the other. Just make sure that each area serves a specific purpose, and that way, your student residents get the best of both worlds.

MAKE SURE SPACE IN STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IS INCLUSIVE

All of us have been in the situation where we’ve felt like the odd one out, but the great thing about purpose built student accommodation is that it’s designed to keep that feeling at bay.

Gen Z is reportedly the loneliest generation to date, but the right amenity space will stop students from withdrawing into their shells.

79% of students rated quality communal and social spaces as important to their wellbeing in the 2021 Knight Frank / UCAS Student Accommodation Survey. It gives them the platform they need to talk to each other, to develop bonds and form friendship groups and communities.

But how do you make an amenity space inclusive?

It’s all down to the interior design. Seating should be intimate and easily accessible to encourage conversations, bright colours can help improve a student’s mood and quality, comfortable furnishings will give the students more of a reason to stay.

KEEP YOUR AMENITY SPACES MODERN

It’s important to remember there is a huge difference between a space that’s “modern” and one that’s “on-trend.”

A modern amenity space in student accommodation is one that has a clean look and feel to it, clutter is kept to a minimum and the area is bright, airy and welcoming. Essentially, it’s a timeless look that no one can really get tired of.

On-trend spaces on the other hand are ones that focus on the latest design styles. While they make your amenity areas look very up to date at that moment, a year down the line when the trend has died out, your development will look out of touch.

Getting the look just right is a balancing act. You want to get as much longevity out of your spaces as possible, which is why we recommend a timeless trend. That said, you’ll want to give a nod to the latest styles, but in a cost-effective and easily replaceable way.

Student amenity spaces that look the part will attract more students. Anything that looks dated is more likely to drive them off-campus or to their individual rooms.

If you’re struggling to find the right touch, our award winning interior design team will help. Just get in contact with your requirements, and we’ll take care of the rest.

LOFT’S TOP BONUS TIPS

Creating the perfect amenity space in student accommodation is about knowing what the area will be used for and how the students will react to it.

Making sure your students enjoy the spaces is key, so here a couple of extra tips to help:

SOURCE DURABLE FURNITURE

During their first few weeks away from the watchful eye of Mum & Dad, some students will get a little bit rowdy while they’re still getting used to their new-found freedom.

To prevent as many mishaps and furniture replenishment sessions as possible, you shouldsource student furniture from reputable and reliable suppliers. We know the market, we know durability is key, and best of all, you won’t have to refit the entire development a couple of days removed from Freshers Week.

CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY SPACE

Young people are the ones leading the charge against climate change, and they want to be associated with brands that are doing everything they can to be more sustainable.

We take our commitment to the environment seriously, which is why we:

• Use sustainable materials where possible
• Offer a recycling service as standard
• Plant a tree for every apartment we furnish

To create a more eco-friendly amenity space, why not:

• Install large windows for natural light / regulate room temperature
• Add plantlife

CREATING THE PERFECT SPACE IN STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Catering to the needs of your students is the best way to ensure they love the amenity spaces. But hitting the right note is easier said than done if you don’t have the right support.

LOFT has been at the forefront of PBSA interior design and furniture for 18 years. With nearly two decades of experience, we have gained valuable insight into what students want at a price that works for PBSA developers, operators and investors.

Find out how we can help by contacting our team today.