How design can improve your student union and student experience

Too many student unions have great spaces that just aren’t being used. But with the right design approach, and without overspending, those same spaces can become the heart of student life. Here’s how we helped one SU make it happen.

Designing spaces that support campus life

University life is about more than lectures, deadlines and dissertations. It’s about connection. Community. Finding your people. And often, it’s the social spaces students spend time in that help shape how they feel about university life. When students walk into your Student’s Union, they should feel like the space is theirs. Welcoming, comfortable, full of energy and possibility. That’s where great design comes in – and why student social spaces are far more than just a nice-to-have

Why interior design is key to the student experience

Well-designed social spaces support the student experience -they give students a reason to stay on campus, get involved, and feel part of something. Whether it’s for a quick coffee, a quiet study session or a catch-up with friends, these spaces shape the student experience in ways that go far beyond just the interior design. And the research backs it up: students who spend time in shared, social spaces are more likely to feel connected, supported, and part of a wider community. That’s good for wellbeing, good for engagement — and good for universities too.

Why some student union spaces go unused

We’ve worked on fair few student spaces and the same themes come up time and again. Spaces that are big, but lack purpose. Areas that feel like a corridor, not a destination. Rooms that are either too formal or too dull to invite anyone in. Often, students don’t even know who the space is for — which means they don’t use it. And, that’s what we found at Warwick Student’s Union. Three big spaces, loads of potential — but all underused, unclear, and lacking any sense of identity.

What we did for Warwick Student’s Union

Warwick Students’ Union asked us to help them rethink three key spaces: The Atrium (their main daytime student space), The SU HQ (offices and student support), and The Terrace Bar (a big student bar that wasn’t pulling its weight). Each student social space needed to work harder. Each one needed to feel more considered to the student and their needs. And each one needed a new lease of life — without a massive budget. Read on to find out what we did…

The Atrium
The SU’s main daytime social space — and no one knew what it was for. It was dark, cold and uninviting, mainly used as a shortcut to the pub or food outlets. We brought in warmth, light, and purpose. Now it’s a true social hub, zoned for studying, chatting, and events, and genuinely used and loved by students.

The Facilities Building (SU HQ)
Tired and underused, this was the home of SU officers, support teams and reception — but students thought it was just an admin block. We gave it a softer edge and a clearer identity. Now it’s a space students feel comfortable using for support, advice or a quiet spot to work.

The Terrace Bar
This one had stacks of potential — but the design just wasn’t doing it any favours. It was dim, rigid and felt like a pub with the lights off. We made it brighter, more flexible, and genuinely fun. Now it works as well for daytime coffees as it does for Friday nights — and it’s one of the most-used spaces on campus.

Designing with a student union budget in mind

Warwick SU first asked us to help with their HQ building — but after seeing how much the space improved, they brought us back to work on the Atrium and Terrace bar. And here’s the thing: we didn’t start from scratch on any of them. We were resourceful — not just because of the budget, but because it’s the right thing to do. We reused, repurposed and restored wherever we could. We worked with what was already there and asked ourselves: how can we get the most impact without unnecessary waste?
That’s our approach across the board — creative thinking, thoughtful design, and getting the best from every brief. The result? Inviting, student-led spaces that feel completely new, without blowing the budget.

RED have lifted and revitalised tired spaces and I couldn’t be happier with the outcomes.
Highly recommend Dean and his team if you’re looking to inject life and style into your spaces, and I’d welcome the opportunity to work with RED on future projects”
Philip Smith
Chief Executive, Warwick SU

Got a student space that needs a rethink?

If your Student Union’s has a space that’s not living up to its potential, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a bar that’s lost its buzz, a lounge no one lingers in, or a spot on campus that could be so much more — we’ll help you bring it to life, and make sure it works for the people who matter most: your students.

Explore more of our work with Student’s Union https://retailexperiencedesign.co.uk/creating-successful-student-spaces/ or get in touch