Summary:
The project is expected to deliver significant wellbeing and engagement benefits to thousands of BU students by providing a space for neurodivergent and overwhelmed students to decompress, which could help reduce stress and anxiety and improve focus for the over 33% of student population who have declared a neurodiversity.
Thought Process:
Mental Health and Learning disability have been on a rapid increase since covid-19 within the UK. This is not different within universities as polling by WonkHE polling revealed a worsening picture of students' physical and mental health, undermining their academic success. Within Bournemouth University, there are over 33% of students (about 4000) who have declared a neurodiversity (ADHD/Autism). As a result of the growing cases, speak week surveys since 2022 has shown a corresponding students’ request for SUBU to focus works on things that support mental health. This has been identified as the top priority for students.
Upon research, I have identified that most universities have now introduced sensory enabling spaces for students as a way to support their mental wellbeing. For e.g., University of Bath, Kingston University, University of York, Canterbury Christchurch, University of Cambridge – Christ College, Southampton University etc.
A sensory room within Bournemouth University is further critical when thinking about the number of its student vs. available campus facility, being named the sixth smallest campus in England. This further exacerbates the need of quiet spaces on campus.
Student Consultation:
A. Executive Committee: The Executive committee (made of main student representatives across faculties, liberation networks, and also fulltime officers) noted this was an incredibly needed addition to campus as there is currently nothing available that offers what this sensory room would. This would be beneficial to students who are neurodiverse and wider students who needs the space. However, concerns were raised on the operations of the room to ensure that there are no barriers to access and use of the space.
B. Disability and Neuro-Diverse (DAND) Officer: The DAND officer noted that they “entirely support this project, and think it is currently something BU is lacking, and would greatly benefit students with additional needs”. They recommended that the design should be student-focused, which should be achieved by developing the design in collaboration with students and ALS Team.
C. SU VP Welfare and Community: The SU VP Welfare and community noted that “While the project carries some financial and logistical challenges, the long-term wellbeing, inclusivity, and engagement benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
D. Student Reps with ALS or who would benefit from the room were contacted with overwhelming support for the idea given.
Purpose:
The purpose of this idea is the construction of a fully equipped sensory room/s within the student’s centre. The completion of this construction output will enable the following outcomes:
I. Students would have access to environments where they can relax, receive sensory stimulation, and have their individual needs met within the busy campus environment.
II. Students would have access to a quiet, calming space within the Student Centre where they can decompress, practice mindfulness, and recover from sensory or emotional overload.
III. It would create a safe, judgment-free environment for students with autism, ADHD, PTSD, or sensory processing differences.
IV. Students can use the space to self-regulate during short breaks (before or after lectures) in a space that can help them reset mentally, regain concentration, and return to studying/lecture with renewed energy, leading to increased productivity and reducing burnout.
Actions
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SUBU should pprove and fully fund the Sensory Room project.
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Delegate authority for the execution of the project and any other related documentation that may be required to the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of Operations.
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SUBU will consult students on the design of the sensory room.
Updated: 27/11/2025
To be implemented by: SU President
Proposed by: Esther Isaiah