Sensory Guide: John Burnet Hall

jmn9
Thursday 8 January 2026

John Burnet Hall is an undergraduate-only hall at the University of St Andrews. Most rooms are shared, with some single rooms. Most en suite rooms are located within the annexe. All students are catered.

This sensory guide highlights the key sensory aspects of JBH.

John Burnet Hall is located on Links Crescent, St Andrews (KY16 9JF).

Reception

Visual 👁

  • Lots of natural light
  • Couches and armchairs
  • Spacious layout

Audio 👂

  • Wooden flooring can carry sound, though the space feels open

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Seating available for resting or waiting

Dining Hall

Visual 👁

  • Fairly small space
  • Padded chairs

Audio 👂

  • Very noisy during mealtimes 🔉
  • Talking, scraping chairs, plates/cutlery, kitchen noise

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Can feel busy during peak times

Smell 👃

  • Food smells present

Library

Visual 👁

  • Large bookshelf
  • Alcove with large window for single study

Audio 👂

  • Quiet study space

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Padded computer chairs
  • Individual alcove provides personal space

Games Room

Visual 👁

  • Large windows with blinds
  • Soft wall lights
  • Couches and wooden flooring

Audio 👂

  • Noise from table tennis, pool tables, piano

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Seating and open space for movement

TV Room

Visual 👁

  • Large windows with blinds
  • Chairs, couches, and armchairs
  • Alcove by window with table and chairs

Audio 👂

  • Quiet outside of active gaming or group use

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Carpeted flooring
  • Board games and games consoles available

Common Room

Visual 👁

  • Large windows provide natural light
  • Carpeted area
  • Small tables with hard chairs and armchairs

Audio 👂

  • May be noisy and cramped when busy

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Kitchen facilities available for use

Laundry Room

Visual 👁

  • Small room with natural light

Audio 👂

  • Can be noisy when machines are running 🔉

Smell 👃

  • Detergent smell

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Small space

Shared Kitchens

Visual 👁

  • Brightly lit
  • Small, limited space

Audio 👂

  • Noise varies depending on occupancy

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Shared with multiple students
  • Can become messy/unclean

Smell 👃

  • Potential food smells

Bedrooms

Visual 👁

  • Single bed
  • Several lighting options: main light, desk lamp

Audio 👂

  • Private space, relatively quiet

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Small rooms with limited floor space
  • Configuration depends on location within the building

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