Low-sensory options

It can be lovely when campus is full of life and you can bump into friends on parade, interact with course mates in lectures, and catch-up with your flatmates while queueing for the bus or a lunchtime meal deal. But on other days it can be a ✨bit much✨ and there's nothing better than knowing there's a space to decompress.

There are several low-sensory spaces you can visit on campus.

Lime tree

Lime tree, an eatery on the East side of campus, provides a lovely low-sensory space during the afternoons - perfect for those times when you're feeling overwhelmed! When you visit during these times, you will find soft seating, low lighting, and no background music.

When: 3pm to 5pm on Monday to Friday during term time.

Where: The side of Lime tree nearest to the bus stop.

The Market

What about those times where you've been avoiding your grocery shopping? On a weekday, there are two dedicated quiet shopping hours in The Market, where the music is turned off and the lights are lowered. There is also reduced staff activity, meaning that staff won't be stocking shelves during these times.

• When: 7pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 1pm on Sunday during term time. 
• Where: The Market. 

Fresh

If you're shopping over the weekend or want a bit more variety, Fresh also have quiet hours, where the lighting and noise are reduced where possible. 

• When: 8pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday, 11am to 12pm on Saturday, 10am to 11am on Sunday during term time.
• Where: Fresh.

The Library

If you have a disability (diagnosis/medical evidence not required!) you can access the sensory room in the Library. This room contains various seating options, sensory items, soft flooring, and floor lamps with softer lighting. This is a lovely chill space and a reliable safety net considering its always open! 

• When: Whenever the Library is open, so all day every day. 
• Where: Third floor of the Library in room 3.10. 
• How: Library card access which can be requested via the Disability Support Coordinator team or by contacting Security directly during University closure periods. 

Find out more about the sensory room and other support on the University website.

Careers Centre

While you probably wouldn't be eating your lunch here, its good to know that the Careers Centre have introduced a quiet hour once a week. During this time, lights and noise will be kept low.

• When: 10.30am to 11.30am, every Tuesday during term time.
• Where: Careers Centre (Wessex House 2.24) which is near Fresh. 

You can find out more about the Careers Centre Quiet Hour on the University website. 

John Wood Hub

Okay, this one is not on campus, but still useful to know! If you're living in John Wood or Carpenter House, you can access the 'Unwind Room' in the John Wood Hub. This space has softer lighting, comfy furniture and at least one stool with wheels (at the time of writing)! 

• When: 9am to 11pm, Monday to Friday.
• Where: John Wood Building on Avon Street.

While I still make sure to bring along some sunglasses and ear plugs, knowing these spaces are open helps make the day a little less overwhelming.