We regularly recommend giving your student housing the occasional spruce to keep it attractive. However, there is one element that landlords of student property regularly overlook. Students need a productive environment in their living space. They want one conducive to study and this applies doubly so for postgraduate students. Here is how you provide that.
Light Colours
We know how colours can affect mood; by extension, they can affect productivity too. Landlords tend to go for darker colours as they show up scuffs and dirt much less. You don’t necessarily need to go for boring magnolia either. Light pastels such as yellow and blue create an attractive environment and help student residents focus much more. It’ll contrast the drab winter environment and complement spring colours.
Consider Lighting
Repeated studies have shown that a room or environment needs a minimum lux level of 300-500 for a productive working environment. Your student tenants will strain their eyes with anything lower than that. While lighter colours help, they are no substitute for well-placed lights. Due to room design, some may have dark corners and Murphy’s Law dictates that these dark corners are nearest the plug sockets. Consider investing in extra interior lights. Your students will notice and be influenced by it. Where possible, install dimmers.
Correct Furniture
Students will spend a lot of time in their own rooms studying, especially as exams approach. Ideally, every room should have a desk and a suitable chair. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but don’t go for the cheapest options in classroom style plastic chairs and tables. Your student tenants will appreciate the effort and see that you’ve considered both their comfort and productivity in your interior design.
Consider Room Layout
Each individual room will be different in shape from the last. When it comes to rewiring, this is a perfect time to consider the needs of the modern student. They need space that is light but away from direct sunlight and a room that enhances their ability to work. They need shade for when the sunshine is too bright and the ability to maximise the sunshine when it’s a little too dark. How the room is set out can affect their productivity.
De-Clutter Unnecessary Items
While you should consider how you set the room out, you also need to consider how much you put in there. In reality, you don’t need a lot of furniture. Every item must serve a function and be adequate for that function. A sofa in every room may sound like a good idea, but do you really need it? An armchair reduces the space taken and a couple of desk chairs will do. If your students want to congregate in one room, these are easy to carry.