What Does the Future Student Bedroom Look Like?

Here at N+L we are consistently looking at ways to create transformative living experiences for the next generation of socially conscious students. Focusing on bedroom design, we are going to look at rethinking these often-formulaic small spaces and consider changes that can be made to elevate the design, enhance wellbeing, factor in sustainable practices and ultimately envisage what a student bedroom of the future could look like.

We’ve all had very different university living experiences at N+L, from slightly drab Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), to a Private Rented Sector (PRS) flat above a lovely chippy - both many moons ago before these models are what they are today, unfortunately. One thing that we all can agree on is that our experiences vary greatly from the student experience today. A real sense of community, swoon worthy aesthetics and clever consideration of space didn’t really seem to be at the top of the provider’s agenda - unlike today.

With all our years of experience we like to think we know a thing or two, so let’s delve into this topic together and take some steps towards understanding and enhancing the student experience by thinking about the design of the bedroom spaces and what things need to be thought about and implemented to equip the students with everything they want and need.

Although student rooms are ever evolving and looks-wise can vary from provider to provider, from one scheme to the other, the core fundamentals remain. Some key things we need to consider to get the best out of a space are…design, materiality, sustainability and affordability.

So, let’s think what uses does a student bedroom have to cater for? What activities take place there? What does the provider need to provide?

A student bedroom most importantly needs to be a bedroom; a restful place where the student can get a good night’s sleep and switch off. Student rooms are dual purpose spaces that also need to cater to study - which of course is a top priority up there with sleep. These spaces need to be carefully considered layout wise, then backed up with a clever design that will support and improve the student experience, let’s explore this further…

Flexible furniture and layout of space

Research and experience show that different students, understandably, want different things out of their bedroom space. For instance, the Property Marketing Strategists in partnership with UPP found that 77% of students said that studying at a desk in their room is their preferred study space. However, in contrast, we’ve spoken to students during site visits who much prefer studying in the amenity areas of a scheme – every student is different.

You can cater to the majority, but what about the minority? And even though the majority like to study in their own rooms, I don’t imagine they want to associate their room with just studying. That’s where the key word “flexibility” comes in. Student rooms need to have flexible and multifunctional furniture. They need to be customisable, well thought out spaces that can look and feel different with some minor adjustments.

Furniture is predominantly fixed, but does this need to be such? Considering the shape of the rooms early into the layout design phase can negate the need for costly board, in turn reducing costs and using less material – saving the planet. For example, the bathroom pod positioning can often leave a niche or void which could simply have shelves added, wall to wall, no carcass back panel required. Or the bedhead can be extended, and a small shelf added to create a bedside, eliminating the need for a separate bedside unit.

Or perhaps elements of fixed furniture can be configured to suit the student’s own requirements? E.g., Framework for shelves that can be repositioned at different heights? Drawers on castors with a seat cushion that can be moved around the room and have a dual purpose?

Flexibility to the layout is more achievable with loose furniture and offers the ability to create one’s own space, giving them a sense of ownership, which in turn can enhance their wellbeing.

Room type affordability

Affordability has, and will always be, a deciding factor for students when choosing what halls to live in. But how does affordability affect the future student’s bedroom? Well, the traditional PBSA model may change, and a more blended and divergent model could emerge - as it’s very evident that one size doesn’t fit all. A forward-thinking model that mimics what the students want and has several different room types which could vary in style and price could appease more of the residents.  Students are being seen as consumers (which is refreshing) and their thoughts are being heard and acted on. Also, with different price points, a broader range of students can inhabit a scheme and make for a more diverse, inclusive and community-inspired experience. For example, an uplift in design and product choice could be how the room types change. Different rooms would fit into different students’ budgets – it’s all about giving them a choice.

A blended model is much harder to achieve, but the pros outweigh the cons in our opinion, because essentially isn’t it all about enhancing the student experience?

Sustainability

More often than not sustainable items come with a higher price tag, but sustainability doesn’t always equal more pounds spent and not all providers have lots of extra money to spend. So, it’s more about implementing sustainable practices that are realistically achievable and realistically scalable to your company. Students want to see that their providers’ values align with their own and that they are being listened to. Sustainable practices taking centre stage is an important factor to Gen Z students. They expect sustainable features to be part of the offering from a provider as standard.

Not all students have the budget to stay at the best-in-class PBSA, so don’t necessarily think they are expecting all providers to be delivering the same offering - as that isn’t always feasible. It’s more about the positive steps you are taking and showing that you are striving for a better tomorrow.

University should be a time for development, exploration and study, but these students are also thinking more about the environment than any students before, so how do we take that imminent pressure off? By providing considerate and responsible spaces for them. Sustainability needs to be built into a scheme and shouldn’t be a luxury only afforded by a few.

In new buildings, sustainability is normally built into the fabric, so in some sense may seem intangible, but how do you show the students sustainability internally? In the future student bedroom, we will see the use of more certified/responsible suppliers and materials e.g., MFC, pair that with some upcycled furniture e.g., side tables, or accessories e.g., mirrors, and you are implementing sustainable practices. We also envisage more collaborating with local makers on schemes to give them a more interesting story, sense of locality and most importantly lower the carbon footprint.

Having these types of pieces aren’t easy to obtain in masses for bedrooms and is a much harder route than buying mass produced, but sustainability isn’t always going to be an easy option. Your scheme, however, will be more unique and attractive to the students.

There are so many sustainable suppliers who are making waves in the market with their innovative products – you just have to know where to look!

Affordable Tech advances

The Gen Z’s are a very tech-savvy, connected and communicative (online) generation, so the spaces they inhabit have to be smart too. The future student bedroom has to be efficient, responsible and adaptable.

Smart meters/thermostats, mood lighting and wireless charging are all things that could possibly be included, however, one that is 100% expected by residents is good Wi-Fi as standard, because connectivity is key. They need good Wi-Fi for their studies, because first and foremost that is why they are at university (and maybe the odd party or two!)

Also, a lot of PRS providers have apps, so more PBSA providers might push towards this for a more user-friendly and technologically advanced experience.

It’s all about mimicking the technology that the students use in their social surroundings and understanding what they have become accustomed to.

With the implementation of the above, the student experience will be more accessible and customisable.

Future of Design

We think a minimalist approach will be adopted in terms of design, but when we say minimalistic, we certainly don’t mean white walls! Design will be impactful, but in a subtle way which allows for personalisation of space and a clever use of colour will punctuate. Spaces will have a calming but energetic feel, the perfect backdrop geared towards any activity that will take place there. Rather than an extension of the outside, they will be personal refuges.

Portfolios are ever changing so having a neutral palette, minimal use of colour, or non-branded colours ensures an easy handover with the least impact on the environment (the word futureproof comes to mind). Leave the branding for the communal areas. It is also nice to have a neutral backdrop so the students can make the spaces their own – much like their rooms at home. However, colour will still be used to zone and emote. We think more interesting design elements may come in the form of joinery and the addition of upholstery. For instance, a curtain wardrobe door to add texture and soften the hard edges of the surrounding MFC. Fluted or upholstered headboards add a luxurious feel at a good price point. Also, headboards with a depth that can double up as a shelf negating storage elsewhere. We envisage design to be much more creative, more practical and there to be more innovative design solutions.

Cultural consideration will also influence design moving forward, with so many different international students we have to be more in tune with their needs. Moving so far from home can, and will, be a daunting prospect for most, so if we as designers and providers can incorporate simple ideas to ease their transition it will enhance their student experience. More research needs to be done into different demographics and what they expect and need design wise, but we love the idea of celebrating and embracing culture to produce more holistic and respectful spaces.

Student bedroom design will also become more aspirational, spaces will morph into their more refined PRS and co-living counterparts. Designers will be looking at boutique hotels and will try to emulate similar clever design ideas. There are many things that are interchangeable in these models, but a more “mature” design isn’t always one of them. Providers are positioning themselves as brands and are enticing students to live with them because of their image, values, ethos and offering. This does not mean that the spaces need to look “on brand”, it’s more about a feeling, the vibe and the design expectations.

The students that will inhabit the future student bedroom will be a very forward-thinking and proactive cohort, so we have to provide spaces that mimic those qualities.

The age-old tale that students won’t look after their spaces doesn’t ring as true as it once did, the majority do look after their rooms, especially if the rooms that are provided have had some extensive thought put into them and the students can truly call them their own.

Students are much more self-aware - standards are ever growing, so in turn the advancement of the design for the future student bedroom will do too.

With a methodical approach and a commitment to understanding and bettering the future student’s experience we can provide spaces that exceed their expectations. Hear, hear! to designing more proactive, sustainable and considerate student bedrooms.