The Priority:  

This priority started with a focus on increasing and improving single study spaces on campus. As this priority has developed, we have re-defined what actions we would like to see come from this priority, giving attention to how this can help our neurodivergent student community and what extra can be done within this work to improve their experience within study spaces. 

Context:  

Students who struggle to work amongst noise, talking or distractions don’t have an appropriate and easily accessible place to study. This affects students who find it difficult to work from home as well as neurodivergent students that may require a particular space to complete their work. Improving these spaces and the wider services that are offered to students will help improve their academic experience as well as feelings of belonging and support. 

What we’ve achieved 

Key Outcomes: 

• We successfully encouraged FXPlus to commit to providing more ear defenders in the library at Penryn and Falmouth  

• Falmouth VP and Exeter President are working on a study spaces map that provides detail on study spaces around the campuses, to help students determine whether that space will be comfortable for them or not. 

• Facilitated discussions at the BRM, which students gave feedback on what works for them in study spaces and what could be improved. 

• Got the rooms in the Exchange courtyard refreshed with more neurodiverse friendly colour palette. 

• Penryn Library Refresh: As requested by students, there is now a 'tea point' that has been installed for them to be able to make hot and cold drinks.  

• There is also a new, calming support room behind the Helpdesk that has been painted in neurodiverse-friendly colours. 

• Created sensory bags available for students to loan out from the Student’s Union  

• Supplied noise cancelling ear defenders in the library 

• We have also secured single study pods provided by FXPlus for trial on Penryn campus 

• Secured three single study spaces in the new Falmouth Campus refurbishment 

• Created a proposal document, to share with partners asking for support with the creation of an online digital map that gives detail to neurodivergent friendly spaces, availability, accessible routes, gender neutral bathrooms and more. 

By the Numbers: 

A Study Spaces survey was conducted in January 2025 by Falmouth and Exeter Student’s Union, which 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 

This directly impacts the academic and social experience students have throughout their university journey. Improving these spaces can help students when it comes to studying, understanding their work and completing assignments. A better environment for all students creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and can help relieve extra stress or pressure – imagine struggling with that one essay for months all because there’s not one space you can concentrate.   

What’s next? 

Immediate Next Steps: 

• Meeting SG on the 2nd of June to discuss the proposal document and send this to partners. 

• Meeting with Stuart Gaslonde (Executive Director of FX Plus) to discuss updates and feasibility around the actions we proposed in regards to the online digital map and the single study pods. 

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Your Turn! 

Want to get involved? Here's how: 

1. Stay Updated: Instagram 

1. Make a change: Make A Change 

1. Take Action: Vote on proposals through Make A Change or make your own proposal! Talk to your reps, whether that be reps from your course or your SU Presidents - Find My Rep , Presidents . Attend ‘Collectives’ to make change for your community or come to forum Student Forum, where we discuss ongoing priority work and vote in proposals to either be actively worked on with allocated budget or worked on amongst other issues! If you want to see something changed, why not come have your say?  

Questions or ideas? Get in touch via email at Aisha.k.lord@thesu.org.uk or isabel.brinkley@thesu.org.uk - we'd love to hear from you.