Places Where Students Feel They Belong

What happens when higher ed students feel a sense of belonging? They feel valued. They’re more likely to be engaged. And they’re more likely to thrive and succeed. At Haworth, we’ve worked with several universities to design places that help students engage socially and academically. Here are 3 things we’ve discovered about creating spaces in higher ed that bring students together.

When Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) outgrew its student commons, administrators knew they had to do more than simply build a bigger space. With a large number of students who commute, administrators were very intentional about creating a space that supports a culture of connection.  

NNU’s new two-story Conrad Student Commons building is designed as a self-contained, full-service environment that includes a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to support a range of activities and services. These include a large lobby, dining hall, lounge areas, meeting rooms, offices for staff and student organizations, and an auditorium. The building also houses the Journeys Outfitting Company, which equips students for outdoor experiences by providing gear, bike repair services, and activity planning.  

By housing a variety of activities and services in the same building, the Conrad Commons becomes a hub for students and faculty. Administrators succeeded in providing a space where the student culture thrives.

Discover trends, considerations, and inspiration for well-lit spaces.

Colleges and universities that want to make the most of their real estate build spaces that can be easily adapted to for multiple uses. The most effective designs allow students to rearrange furnishings from hour to hour as they desire and allow reconfiguration for larger events. For example, in Conrad Commons, mobile furniture in the main lobby was easily moved to the perimeter to create a dance floor when students held a sock hop. At these higher ed institutions, seating and tables on casters make it easy for students to gather in groups of any size.

For students, the ability to rearrange spaces to support their activities lets them know that their needs and preferences matter. The decision by a university to make spaces engaging for students sends a clear message that each student belongs there. When they feel a sense of belonging, students feel accepted and a part of campus life—two things that promote success in college.  

Plus, the flexibility to rearrange spaces for both small student gatherings and large planned events allows higher educational institutions to make the most of their limited resources while providing a variety of experiences and spaces where students can connect.

Explore Haworth’s work in higher education spaces, with our case studies from Northwest Nazarene University, Western Michigan University, and Davenport University.