Creating a Home Away from Home
The holidays can be a mix of excitement and longing for students staying at university accommodation. While the academic break promises a pause from studies, it can also feel bittersweet, especially for international students who are away from their families, missing the familiar sights, sounds, and comforts of home. However, with intentional design and thoughtful furnishing choices, PBSA providers can create an inviting, home-like atmosphere that brings the festive spirit to students' second home.
Let’s explore how curated furnishings and community-focused spaces can foster comfort and connection, helping students feel truly at home even during the holiday season.
1. Creating Warm and Inviting Lounge Areas
One of the most significant factors in creating a festive, community-oriented atmosphere is the living room space. By adding large, cosy sofas and ambient lighting, PBSA providers can create a warm, communal environment that encourages students to gather, relax, and unwind. A central TV in the lounge makes it easy to host movie nights, or students can simply use it to watch holiday specials, helping them relive favourite traditions from home.
To amplify this cosy, shared experience, consider investing in large coffee tables and accessories such as comfy blankets and plump cushions, small touches like these go a long way in creating a home-like space where students can share their cultures, stories, and laughter. Adding a few festive decorations such as a small tree or holiday lights can further transform the space into a heart-warming hub for gathering.
2. Equipping Kitchens for Festive Feasts and Gatherings
Nothing brings people together quite like food, especially during the holidays. For students, having the space and resources to cook and celebrate together can turn a simple meal into a meaningful bonding experience. PBSA kitchens that are well-equipped with multiple stovetops, ovens, refrigerators, and ample counter space make it easier for students to cook and bake, whether they're attempting new recipes, recreating family favourites, or collaborating on a cultural potluck.
Ensuring sufficient kitchen amenities and white goods isn’t just practical – it can make all the difference in bringing students together to share the joy of preparing and enjoying food as a community. Large communal dining tables are a great addition for groups to come together for meals. They can also be used for holiday-themed events, like a potluck dinner or cookie decorating night. The simple act of cooking and sharing food fosters an atmosphere of togetherness and helps students create shared traditions, no matter how far they are from home.
3. Hosting Events in Amenity Spaces
Shared amenity spaces play a crucial role in helping students connect with each other, and the holiday season presents a fantastic opportunity to maximise these spaces. By investing in furniture and equipment tailored for specific gatherings, PBSAs can facilitate a range of festive activities. For example:
Cinema Rooms: Set up a dedicated room with comfortable theater-style seating, a large screen, and a projector where students can watch classic holiday movies. Movie marathons are an easy way to bring students together, and a cinema-style room creates a relaxing, immersive environment for this.
Gaming Rooms: A gaming room furnished with plush seating and large screens for video gaming or consoles can serve as the ideal gathering place for students looking to unwind and have fun. You can also add board games or group-based games to encourage collaborative activities.
Recreation Areas with Pool Tables and Games: Providing spaces with pool tables, foosball, and other games can make the holidays livelier. Pool tables, in particular, act as a social magnet – students can gather to play and talk, making it an ideal setup for informal interactions and new friendships.
From cosy lounges to fully-equipped kitchens and flexible, functional common areas, the right furniture and thoughtful design choices can make all the difference in helping students feel a sense of belonging. As the holidays approach, the goal for PBSA providers should be clear: create spaces that not only bring students together but make them feel truly at home.