Make Your Own Picky Pad

Win £300 of vouchers

Events

Date

07 Mar 2026

Time

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Price

FREE

Location

Polden Commons

Location

Polden Commons

A sensory tool for when you need some calm

Make your own sensory tool

You’re invited to join us for a relaxed, hands-on session where you can design and create your very own Picky Pad.

If you haven’t heard of them before, Picky Pads are small, textured sensory tools designed to be picked, pulled and fidgeted with. They’re especially satisfying for anyone who has the urge to pick at their skin or hair, but they can be a helpful way to channel restless energy, support focus during studying, or provide a calming outlet during stressful moments. Many students find them useful during lectures, revision sessions or while working on assignments.

At this workshop, you’ll be able to customise your pad with different textures, colours and add-ins to create something that works for you. Whether you prefer something soft and subtle or bright and satisfying to peel and pick, you can make it your own.

No crafting experience is needed — this is a fun, low-pressure session where you can drop in, get creative and leave with a practical tool you can use throughout the semester.

Come along, get stuck in, and create something that’s not just fun to make, but useful to have.

Polden Commons is located on the ground floor of Polden B Block, next to the Polden Cafe. The room is fully accessible with steps free access and a range of both booth and table seats available. There are accessible toilets located on the same floor.

ResLife Ambassadors will be there to welcome you – you’ll be able to recognise them in their light blue RLA hoodies and t-shirts with the ResLife logo on.

When you arrive at this event, you’ll be greeted by a ResLife Ambassador near the entrance.

There will be tables set up with different materials needed to make your picky pad, and RLAs will talk you through the process and what you need to do. There will also be written instructions which you can follow if your prefer to understand the information this way.

Making picky pads requires working with silicone, so you will be required to wear the gloves provided during this portion of the event. If this causes you any problems, please let one of the RLAs know and they will be happy to help or complete this part for you to make things easier. There is will a range of items to put in your picky pad, including small seed beads, large sculpted beads in different shapes, sequins and more. You can choose the items you find most aesthetic, or you think you will find the most satisfying to pick.

Once you have finished your picky pad, it will need to cure overnight before it is ready to use. RLAs will ensure the pad is labelled correctly with your name, and you will be invited to collect it in Polden Commons the following day.

If at any point you need a break or quiet moment during this event, please let the RLAs know and they will be happy to help.

If you would like to wear headphones or bring comfort items please do so. This event will be in a quiet space with no background music, and with lots of natural light.

If you would like to attend more events like this one, make sure to check the ResLife Events page regularly for our latest updates.

For more ways to connect, you can see events hosted by the SU here, as well as information on societies and how you can join.

Please note:

We have photographers and film-makers at some of our events to capture footage to share online and for use in future promotional materials. If you don't want to be featured, please inform a member of the ResLife Team.