The Priority: This priority focuses on what work can be done to ensure that we are helping our neurodivergent student community’s experience by improving study spaces.
Context: Many students struggle to engage with their work whether that be because of noise, talking or overall distractions. These students deserve to have sufficient provision to help them, which can look very different depending on the student. Improving provisions for them and the overall spaces will help to improve not only their academic but also their general student experience.
What we’ve achieved
Key Outcomes:
- Over the summer, Falmouth Campus refurbished some space in the Fox building, creating The Hub in accordance with neurodivergent friendly colour schemes and including three single study spaces
- Began a research piece focused on digital maps used by other universities, how they have made them accessible and how they have included accessible routes
- We have been in discussion of the distribution of the sensory bags created by The SU
By the Numbers: Following on from the Study Space survey conducted by Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union in 2025, we found that: “When asked what students would like from their ‘ideal’ study space, the most common answer amongst respondents was the inclusion of power sockets (90% for those on Falmouth campus and 97% for Penryn Campus). Respondents also largely agreed that they would like individual spaces/rooms (59% for Falmouth campus; 63% for Penryn campus) and access to food & drink (62% for Falmouth campus; 44% for Penryn campus).”
Why this matters
By creating a better environment, students will be able to feel included within their community and concentrate on their work without there being any extra added pressure of stress of not feeling welcome in a space. Each student is individual and so are their provisional needs, we should be able to accommodate to all no matter their difference.
What’s next?
Immediate Next Steps:
- Complete research piece and present to FXPlus and University teams, discuss what actions can be set in place
- Distribute sensory bags to areas around campus for student usage
Accountability Check: Updates on these actions will be shared on 18/12/26
Your Turn!
Want to get involved? Here's how:
Questions or ideas? Get in touch via email at Presidents@thesu.org.uk - we'd love to hear from you.