Woodland Lounge social guide

What to expect when you visit

Woodland Lounge is one of the newest spaces on campus, built to give you somewhere calm to study, recover, and relax. Whether you need a quiet hour between lectures, a change of scenery, or simply a place to decompress, it's designed with you in mind.

This guide tells you what to expect so you can get the most from your visit. It includes information on how to find Woodland Lounge, what the space looks and sounds like, and what facilities are available.

 

Finding Woodland Lounge

Woodland Lounge is on the south side of campus, in the building known as 6 West South. 

 

Shortest route from the Parade

This route is not step-free.

Starting outside the Library, walk down the stairs from the Parade towards the lake. Once you've passed University Hall, turn right and follow the path; 6 West South will be ahead of you. Continue left to reach the entrance.

 

Accessible route

Starting outside the Library, head west along the Parade until you reach Wessex House. Take the lift down to floor 1.

Exit to the right and continue straight. There is a narrow ramp. 

Turn left and then follow the path straight.

Keep going straight until you reach the ramped entrance. You will need to scan your library card on the card reader to the right. 

Both routes take you into the same building. If you would like to use the accessible route, allow a little extra time.

 

What to expect when you arrive

When you enter Woodland Lounge, you'll probably notice is how calm it is.

• There's no queue, no ordering counter, no busy counter staff; you just walk in and find a seat.
• The space is filled with greenery and plants, with lots of natural light coming in during the day. Warm, dim lighting supplements when natural light is lower.
• The noise level is usually near-silent.

Look out for the signage inside to help you find your way around. 

The accessible toilet is just off the main space, with a water fountain right next to them so you don't need to leave the building if you need a drink. 

The main background sounds you'll hear are study sounds: quiet footsteps, the occasional whisper, pages turning. There is a very faint high-pitched hum in the background. Near the toilets, you may occasionally hear flushing. 

 

Finding your spot

Woodland Lounge has a range of different seating types so you can choose what works best for you on any given day.

• Sensory Nooks: enclosed and defined booths, with a bit more separation from the rest of the room. Good if you want to feel contained or less exposed. 
• Sofas and couches: soft, relaxed, and less structured. Good if you need to decompress or just want comfort over desk-mode. There are some moveable tables if you require a flat surface. 
• Armchairs: self-contained and quiet. Good if you want a cosy, low-key spot without committing to a full desk setup. 
• Desks with dividers: structured and focused. Good if you need to concentrate with a screen or books in front of you. 
• High tables and high chairs: more upright and open to the room. Good if you prefer elevated seating or a more active posture.

Not sure where to sit? The booths and armchairs tend to feel the most contained and low-stimulation. The desks with dividers are great for focused study. Sofas are ideal if you just need to rest.

 

The balcony

Woodland Lounge has a balcony. It's a good option if you want a breath of fresh air without fully leaving the building.

Step outside for a few minutes, then come back to your seat

The biophilic feel of the space extends outdoors; it's a natural extension of the lounge

Good for a quiet sensory reset between study sessions

 

The kitchen

Woodland Lounge doesn't sell food or drinks, but there's a kitchen space you can use, with hot and cold water facilities.

Bring your own food and drinks, but be mindful of strong smelling items

There's also a bin by the kitchen. Please clean up after yourself and leave the space as you found it for the next person. 

 

When to visit

On most days, Woodland Lounge is open from 8.15am to 10pm. Find up to date opening hours online. 

During exam season, Woodland Lounge fills up quickly, especially in the mornings. There's no booking system, so it's first-come, first-served. If you want a specific seat type (like a booth), arriving early gives you the best pick. The space tends to be quietest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Weekends are generally calm throughout the day.

 

Sensory environment

Woodland Lounge is one of the quietest spaces on campus. Here's an honest picture of what you'll hear: 

• Near silent most of the time
• Study sounds: quiet footsteps, whispers, the occasional page turn or keyboard click
• A very faint high-pitched background hum (you may not notice it at all)
• Near the toilets, flushing is occasionally audible, worth knowing if you're sensitive to sudden sounds
• No music, no tills, no kitchen noise, no ordering bustle

During exam season the space fills up, which means slightly more ambient noise from people working. It's still very quiet, just with more people in it.

 

If you need a moment

Woodland Lounge is itself a calm space, so you shouldn't need to search out a quieter corner. The whole room is designed with recovery in mind.

But if you need a change of environment:

• Step out onto the balcony for fresh air.
• Move to a different seating type, a booth or armchair if you're feeling overstimulated.

There are no staff on site, so there's no pressure to explain yourself or interact with anyone.

 

Leaving

When you're ready to go, just head out through whichever entrance works for you.

The accessible (step-free) exit is the same as the accessible entrance, on the far side of the building

The other exit leads back toward the lake path and the Parade.

If you used the kitchen, please leave it clean for the next person

 

Share Your Feedback

Woodland Lounge is part of an ongoing project to make campus spaces work better for neurodivergent students and staff. Your experience genuinely shapes what comes next.

If you have feedback about your visit on what worked, what could be better, or anything else, we'd love to hear from you. Share your feedback here.