Students tell us how they work, play and live in new survey
By: Ellie Evans
Last updated: Tuesday, 13 February 2024
Students sitting in the Business School
At the end of last year hundreds of students told us what they want from their spaces here on campus. There were some fascinating insights into how they study, work out and spend their free time.
Almost 2,000 students took part in the first student spaces survey, the results of which will help the University to make decisions to ensure that the spaces our students use are the best they can be, and that they meet their needs both now and into the future.
The results will be used by the Library and Study Environment Programme, and Student Union Flexible Spaces (Falmer House) project, which will create more versatile activity spaces. The information will also be used by the Student Centre, our Estates team and others to inform and support any changes that they want to make for their users.
Space to study
Off-campus students spend all day on campus: non-campus residents come to campus four or five times a week, and most spend all day here. Half come to campus one or two days a week when they don’t have classes.
Afternoons are the most popular study times: the most common time for studying was between 1.30pm and 5pm, and on average, students spend 2-3 hours studying. More study space was identified as a big need by respondents and, although the library is the most popular space to study, students are happy to use space all across campus.
WiFi and power top the list for study space needs: peace and quiet is also important, as is a distraction-free environment, with good natural lighting and a range of furniture types.
Space to live
Students are happy with their University accommodation: there were some calls for improvements to study space in some residences, a common room,and improved phone signal and, of course,WiFi coverage (which is being addressed with the Network Replacement Programme already in progress).
Space to meet
Social space is as important as study space: Falmer Bar tops the bill as the favourite place to meet followed by the Student Centre; and other cafes and restaurants on campus. There were requests for more seats, more bars, more outside gathering space, and more space for people in groups.
Space for sport and activities
Almost a quarter of students use the sports facilities here at Sussex, with most making use ofthe gym fitness rooms. On their wishlist are free sport, a climbing wall, options for horse riding and even a swimming pool.
Students also told us that they would like a dedicated community space for cultural societies, spaces for music or dance practice, and improvements to the room booking system.
Ensuring accessibility
There was some feedback about making our buildings more accessible: this included Falmer House and the Library - which we’re working on - while others needed help to navigate around the Student Centre.