Student projects

A group of UT TCS students created a computer dashboard that visualizes occupancy data and predicts future occupancy. The dashboard is an impressive and helpful tool that will be used by Library staff to help manage the study landscape. In another Smart Library project, a Creative Technology student created the design environment for a communication tool that will show students how busy it is in the Library so that they can plan the best time to visit.

One of the most frequently requested services in the Library is a place to take a nap. A group of students from the University Innovation Fellows wanted to meet this need and researched different options for suitable places to sleep. Thanks to funding from Inclusion Fund, HR, LISA and in cooperation with BMS Lab, Design Lab and CFM, a sleeping pod is now available on the 1st floor of the Library offering a closed and hygiene-friendly place to recharge.

The Chameleon Room is currently being developed by a group of students who want to create a space in the Library for students to relax, socialise and share ideas. Watch this space for updates on how this room can offer you a nice study break and some diverse activities in the Library!

The mindfulnest is located in the upstairs silent zone of the Library and was designed by a UvA student who felt inspired to support student well-being. This private and peaceful cabin offers you a place to relax and improve your focus with a wide range of built-in mindfulness exercises and calming music. The Mindfulnest meditation APP is now available for download. UT members have free access with their email address.

The coffee corner was designed as part of a UT IDE Bachelor thesis project and offers students a place to relax, meet a friend and grab a coffee in between their study sessions in the Library. The standing tables were purposefully selected to give students a chance to stretch their legs in between long periods of sitting.

Inspired by the evaluation and advice of the Student Involvement Consultants, a group of IDE students developed a communication strategy for student projects in the Library. The terms ‘leave your mark’ and ‘made by student’ are now being applied in all student project communications along with the minimalist, green design layout. 

The circular book stack in the Library’s entrance was designed by a UT IDE student and is made from the Library’s old bookshelves. It provides a central and convenient place for students to pick up reserved books.

Honours Programme students researched the Library environment from an ergonomic perspective in order to make recommendations on how the Library can better support student wellbeing whilst studying. As a result, a range of study positions including standing desks, laptop stands and desk cycles are now offered. Ergonomic mice and keyboards can also be borrowed from the Library Service Desk.

A group of Honours programme students wanted to find out if a green environment can support students’ concentration whilst studying so they created the green study corner in the downstairs silent area of the Library. A second group from the Honours programme wanted to help students feel more relaxed and at home in the Library by providing more plants and the “adopt a plant” initiative.

The School Supply vending machine was developed by a group of EUR students during their study time in Rotterdam. It supplies essential study and lifestyle items for students and is placed in the Library entrance.

How does art in the Library affect students' stress levels and cognitive abilities during study sessions? The Library seeks to offer a balance between calm and neutral spaces and more lively and colourful ones; both may facilitate a focused mind for studying depending on your mood and preferences. Art in the Library plays a central role in helping us to shape a stimulating yet relaxing environment.

How do students with neurodiversity experience the University Library? As part of the UT’s vision to provide education and facilities that meet the needs of all individuals, the Library is currently exploring ways that it can better serve neurodiversity in the study areas, project rooms and through the Library’s online services.

How can student mindfulness be further supported in the Library? The mindfulnest meditation cabin in the upstairs silent area offers a private and peaceful place to for students to meditate. The Library is curious about further ways it can support student mindfulness.

Following previous student research on the physical discomfort students experience whilst studying, the Library would like to find out how to promote the use of recently purchased ergonomic equipment and explore how it can further create an ergonomic environment.

What is the impact of increasing the number of plants in the Library? Following the previous work of Honours programme students to develop a greener Library environment, the study landscape may benefit from further research on this theme.

How can we improve the circularity of the Library's furniture and resources? In line with the UT’s plan to become a 100% circular university by 2050, the Library is inspired to promote sustainability through circular products wherever possible. 

Together with DSI, LISA colleagues from the Library and ICT services are working on using smart sensors in the Library to find out how many students are using the study spaces, project rooms and computer desks. It is hoped that through analysis of the sensor data, further installation of sensors, and the development of communication tools, students will be able to find a place to study more efficiently.