Design That Feels: How Interiors Shape Student Experience, Emotion, and Belonging

Why It Starts with Feeling…

We have been designing in the student accommodation sector for so many years now, especially in my case! I was asked the other day, why? And my response was an emotional one. For me, it’s a sector that has changed and developed so much over the years. Student accommodation interiors are more than creating aesthetically pleasing common spaces; it is multifaceted and goes deeper. There are so many fascinating things to learn about students, new generations, their preferences, and how we can play a part in contributing to their student experience. It’s a transitional time in their lives, where they learn, develop, and create memories. It’s also about the community involved in shaping this experience. For us, being part of a group that genuinely cares about student wellbeing and creating spaces that truly matter is incredibly rewarding – and I guess that’s why we’re still so passionate about designing spaces in this sector!

This focus on emotional connection and wellbeing was at the heart of the recent CUBO Resi Life Conference we attended. We were also asked to present a workshop, which was a privilege (albeit a slightly nerve-wracking one!) and something we thoroughly enjoyed creating.

Our presentation, “Spaces that Support: Embedding Wellbeing & Belonging into Student Accommodation Design” delved into the role interior design plays in fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and belonging in student accommodation and for part of our research, we asked students about their current accommodation – what they liked and what they didn’t. Their responses didn’t focus on practicalities like Wi-Fi or laundry, but rather on how the spaces made them feel. Student insights are an invaluable tool for us. We can learn so much; it’s about listening and learning to gain a true understanding and from our recent conversations we were reminded that thoughtful design goes beyond function and is about creating environments that truly resonate with students on a personal and emotional level.

Design Psychology for Gen Z and Alpha

Students today, particularly Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha, are growing up in a world saturated with content, choice, and complexity. Maybe what they crave isn’t more ‘bells and whistles’ amenities, but spaces that offer them meaningful choices – places that speak to and align with who they are as individuals.

They want authenticity, autonomy, and a sense of belonging built on their own terms, spaces that encourage organic, meaningful connections and socialisation. That’s where interior design can truly shine by creating an inspiring backdrop that supports emotional wellbeing, connection, and a genuine sense of ownership and belonging.

Memory, Belonging, and the Power of Personalisation

There’s power in design that connects emotionally. I remember being at school – years ago now! but still recall the vibe of the Sixth Form common room. It wasn’t high-end or ‘designed’ in the traditional sense, but it was magically magnetic.

Students personalised it themselves. There was an old sofa, mismatched charity-shop chairs, an old solid wood kitchen table, posters, and a record player. The smell of toast, muted ’80s tunes drifting into the corridor... It was a place that felt like theirs. Because of that, it was respected, loved, and looked after. That space wasn’t expensive, but it was emotionally rich.

Elements That Emotionally Shape a Space

Designing for feeling requires a toolkit of subtle but powerful elements:

Colour: Colours have emotional weight. Muted earth tones can promote calm, while soft greens and blues support focus. Avoiding harsh, clashing tones is crucial; the students we have spoken to consistently mention how colour impacts their sense of home and comfort.

Materiality: A hard plastic chair versus a cushioned, supportive seat – it’s not necessarily about cost, but about making considered choices that send important sensory signals. Soft furnishings, textured fabrics, and natural materials make spaces feel less institutional and more homely.

Lighting: Harsh overheads can overstimulate, while layered lighting – task, ambient, and decorative – give students control and flexibility to shape the mood

Sound: Acoustic panels, room dividers, curated background noise, or quieter zones help reduce stress and promote different types of social interaction

Atmosphere develops naturally when thoughtful design choices are made.

Students Need Emotional Choice, and Low-Pressure Environments

Too often, amenity spaces are designed with one goal in mind: to bring students together. But not everyone thrives in a big, open-plan lounge or a games room full of noise and harsh lighting. Some students want to sit quietly next to someone else without the need to talk. Others want soft music, cosy nooks, or smaller zones that support different types of social rhythms.

Designing for emotional choice means offering variety – spaces to gather, to focus, to be still. Let students set their own pace. The best communities don’t come from pushing people together, they grow naturally when people feel supported and free to be themselves.

Small Wins, Big Feelings: What to Do on a Budget

At the CUBO conference, some of the most common questions we heard were around what to do with underutilised, uninspiring amenity space, especially when budgets are tight?

There’s so much that can be done without a full refurbishment. Here are some small wins that have a big emotional impact:

Repaint with purpose: Colour has the power to transform a space quickly and cost-effectively. The right palette can instantly make an area feel more inviting, cosy, and help to create distinct zones that encourage relaxation and connection without the need for major renovations

Introduce plants: Whether real or faux, greenery brings life to any space. Plants not only improve aesthetics but also create a sense of calm and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Incorporating greenery can soften harsh edges, break up large open areas, and add a natural element that makes environments feel more inviting and homely

Create zones: Use existing furniture creatively to form smaller, more defined areas. Think multifunctional spaces – dual-purpose amenities that can easily flex throughout the day, shifting from quiet study nooks to social gaming areas, or seating areas transforming into creative activity zones. Soft furnishings, screens, rugs, and lighting can subtly signal different uses, helping students find the right setting for their mood or activity without requiring a full fit-out

Exploring vintage and reclaimed furniture: The second-hand approach not only supports environmental responsibility but also creates spaces rich in personality and emotional connection. Such pieces tell a story, age beautifully over time, and feel less precious—inviting students to relax and make the space their own. A solid wood table with odd scribbles, scuffs, and dents adds character and a homely warmth that new, pristine furniture can’t replicate.

Celebrate community: Create opportunities for students to see themselves reflected in their environment. Student photo walls, community bulletin boards that showcase events, achievements, or student-led initiatives, or designated spaces for self-expression – like art displays, chalk or writing walls. These small, thoughtful gestures help reinforce a sense of belonging and pride, and encourage students to contribute to and care for their shared spaces

Use sound and scent to shape atmosphere: Simple additions like a record player or gentle background music can help shape the mood, encouraging calm, focus, or even connection through a shared love of music. Similarly, natural scents or familiar smells can add a subtle sensory layer, helping a space feel more welcoming, relaxed, and emotionally grounded

These changes don’t require massive investment. They require intention, empathy, and listening to what students actually need.

Final Thought: Design with Emotional Intelligence

Designing student accommodation isn’t about ticking boxes or adding more. It’s about adding meaning. It’s about creating atmospheres that resonate emotionally, that make students feel seen, comfortable, and connected.

When we listen, design holistically, and think emotionally, we create not just beautiful interiors, but places that support people. That’s what turns their accommodation into a home.

N+LX