Sensory Guide: University Hall
University Hall is home to over 300 students and is divided into three main wings: Wardlaw, Lumsden, and the Old Wing. This sensory guide outlines what you might experience across key spaces within the hall to help you navigate the environment with greater confidence.
University Hall is located on Kennedy Gardens, St Andrews.
General Environment
Visual 👁
- Lots of green space surrounding the halls
- Multiple common spaces across the site
- Signage can be somewhat unclear
- Not all buildings have lift access
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Outdoor green areas provide space to step away from busier indoor environments
Lumsden Wing
Visual 👁
- Bedrooms with white walls and patterned carpet
- Yellow-toned lighting throughout
- Wide hallways
Audio 👂
- Generally calmer circulation spaces
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Lots of storage space in bedrooms
- Single shower rooms, which may feel more private than shared shower blocks
Wardlaw Wing
Visual 👁
- Confusing room layout
- Corridors have no windows
- Bright artificial lighting throughout
- Narrow, winding corridors
Audio 👂
- Sound may travel along corridors
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- No lift access
- Corridors may feel enclosed
Foyer
Visual 👁
- Doors may open suddenly when walking past
- Seating area present but can feel uncomfortable
- Space often appears cluttered
Audio 👂
- Sudden door movement may be surprising
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Seating does not feel particularly comfortable
Laundry Room
Visual 👁
- Small, enclosed space
Audio 👂
- Constant humming sound from machines
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Heat from machines can make the space uncomfortable
- Can feel crowded with multiple people inside
Smell 👃
- Mixed smells of clean and dirty laundry and detergent
Wardlaw Common Room
Visual 👁
- Large windows provide lots of natural light
- Variety of seating options
Audio 👂
- Can be noisy due to proximity to the hallway
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Seating feels private despite being shared
- All seating is padded and comfortable
Libraries
Visual 👁
- Big windows with views of green space
- Wooden interior creates a cosy atmosphere
- Standing lamps on desks allow for lower lighting levels
Audio 👂
- Quiet environment suitable for focused work
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Cushioned chairs
- Calm, enclosed study spaces
Computer Room
Visual 👁
- Small room that can feel crowded
Audio 👂
- Noise from nearby dining hall and hallway
- Printer noise when in use
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Seats are very close together
- Limited personal space
Smell 👃
- Occasional light food smells from the dining hall
Old Wing
Visual 👁
- Windows in hallways provide natural light
- Wide hallways and staircases
- Wooden interior and decorations
Audio 👂
- Generally calmer environment
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Spacious circulation areas feel more comfortable
Games Room
Visual 👁
- Multiple separate, private rooms available
Audio 👂
- Noise from ping pong table use
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Can be used as a quieter alternative to other common areas during busy or noisy periods
Address:
University Hall
Kennedy Gardens
St Andrews