Why Higher Ed Institutions Need Quiet Study Spaces

If you have ever been a student, you likely remember the frustration of needing to find a place to study. You had to pack up your books or computer and head to a crowded library, only to waste time searching for a quiet place to work that never materialized. Every nook and cranny of the library was already occupied, or the room was not quiet or private enough.

The student population of universities and college campuses is growing exponentially—resulting in more and more of this common issue: overcrowded libraries and a shortage of quiet study spaces. 

The Modern Campus Challenge

In spring 2024, undergraduate enrollment increased by 2.5 percent (+359,000), marking the second consecutive semester of growth after years of decline during the pandemic.

Libraries, once the ideal campus privacy solutions, are now frequently overcrowded, making it difficult for students to find a peaceful place to concentrate. Expanding campus populations results in traditional study spaces becoming less sufficient to meet the needs of all individuals seeking focused study areas. 

So, where should students turn? More importantly, how should institutions accommodate their growing numbers?

The Benefits of Study Spaces for Universities and Colleges

Privacy pods present an innovative solution to the shortage of university study spaces. These modern, modular study pods offer sound-dampened and enclosed work environments. Flexible study pods for library spaces can be strategically placed to maximize space utilization and study opportunities for students. Think of study pods as mobile, upgraded study carrels.

Along with libraries, study pods can be implemented in any higher education space to create even more flexible study spaces: 

• Underused Areas: Spacious hallways, corridors, or alcoves can be turned into dedicated study areas with modular study pods. 
• Academic Buildings: Placing student study pods near lecture halls and classrooms in academic buildings facilitates convenient access for students between classes. This encourages efficient use of study time during breaks, reducing congestion in more popular areas like the library. 
• Dormitories and Residence Halls: Enhancing residential environments with student privacy booths provides individuals with convenient access to on-campus study solutions within their living spaces. This setup supports late-night study sessions and enhances student safety by minimizing the need to travel across campus after dark. 

Beyond individual study, they can work as collaborative study pods, accommodating small group projects, study sessions, and club meetings. These innovative study spaces can also be used for temporary exam spaces or places where speaking exams can be facilitated for foreign language courses. 

By integrating study pods in these various campus locations, institutions can effectively address the demand for study and work spaces, enhancing the overall campus living learning environment for their students. 

Several universities, including Indiana Tech, have already successfully implemented campus study pods. At Indiana Tech, students have found the pods ideal for small group work, while faculty members utilize them for meetings, interviews, and planning sessions.

Budget Considerations for Higher Education Administrators 

Renovating or expanding facilities has become increasingly expensive, with the cost of new school buildings rising 10.8% between 2022 and 2023. Instead of costly construction projects, YOURspace offers affordable modular study pods for universities that efficiently utilize existing spaces. They provide: 

• Lower Initial Cost: The starting cost of a YOURspace education pod is $5,800, significantly lower than the millions often required for full-scale renovations.
• Avoiding Cost Overruns: Traditional construction projects can run into severe budget issues—universities like the University of Wisconsin faced an extra $60 million in budget allocations due to inflation and material price hikes.
• Reconfigurable and Reusable: Unlike permanent renovations, YOURspace pods are a reusable campus study environment and can be installed, relocated, or reconfigured as needed, making them a cost-effective alternative.
• Faster Implementation: With 21% of schools currently undertaking major renovations, YOURspace pods provide a more budget-friendly, faster solution to improving higher education spaces.

Funding Sources for Study Pods

Grants: Federal, state, and local grants often support infrastructure enhancements. Study pods may be considered “school furniture,” as they are movable and reconfigurable. Your university may qualify for classroom grants that help fund furniture for education. Search for a grant to find one you are eligible for here.

Capital Budgets: Schools can allocate capital budget funds to campus study pods, providing a cost-efficient way to enhance higher education space planning guidelines.

Community Partnerships: Partnering with local businesses or nonprofits can secure donations or matching funds for learning spaces in higher education.

For more details on funding and procurement, visit our Education Procurement and Facilities page.

YOURspace Privacy and Study Pods

YOURspace is a trusted provider of soundproof study pods. Our structures come with a range of features designed to meet the standards higher education study solutions: 

• Sound-Dampening: Ensures a quiet study environment, free from external distractions. 
• Ergonomic Design: Provides room for an effective workspace and comfortable furniture for education activities, promoting greater student well-being and reducing strain during long study sessions. 
• Modularity: Allows for different configurations and sizes, making it easy to adapt to various spaces and needs.
• Technology Integration: Includes built-in charging stations, Wi-Fi, and AV equipment, ensuring that students have access to all the tools they need. 
• Accessibility: Options for ADA compliance and inclusive design ensure that all students can benefit from these study pods.
• Customization and Design Flexibility: Available in different colors and configurations to match the aesthetics of any campus and fit into any higher education space planning guidelines. 

How Study Pods Address Enrollment, Retention, and Facility Gaps 

Today’s students and their families expect more than strong academics when choosing a university—they’re looking for modern, quiet, tech-enabled spaces to study and thrive. YOURspace study pods deliver just that.

Explore this downloadable to see how our pods help fill facility gaps, boost student success, and support enrollment and retention with flexible, future-ready learning environments.