In Term Two we launched a short survey to understand student rest and nap patterns on the Egham Campus and gauge interest in the introduction of nap or sleeping pods. It’s time to share the results.
In Term Two we launched a short survey to understand student rest and nap patterns on the Egham Campus and gauge interest in the introduction of nap or sleeping pods. It’s time to share the results.
>> About the project
In February, VP Education, Matthew, co-hosted a paid in-person focus group with the Commuting Students’ Community Officer, Delilah, to better understand student interest in introducing nap pods to the Egham Campus. This work was linked to Delilah’s Safe Travels Campaign and Matthew’s Increase Social and Study Spaces Priority.
The focus group was so helpful in understanding student interested about nap pods on campus we wanted to open the questions to the wider student body to gather more insight. We launched a short survey for two weeks in March and 104 students shared their feedback! Check out the results below to see what student said about designated spaces to rest on the Egham campus.
>> The results
Demographic Breakdown:
- 20% of respondents live in University Halls of Residence, 47% live in private housing in the local area and 33% are commuter students
- 78% of respondents are women, 16% are men, 3% are non-binary and 1% prefer not to say and 2% listed other
- 33% of students have an impairment, health condition or learning difference, 60% do not and 7% prefer not to say
Nap and Rest Patterns on Campus:
- 71% of respondents answered they are always or often tired during the day
- 53% of respondents have napped / rested during the day on campus.
- For students who answered they do not nap: 83% said they are uncomfortable sleeping in public, 67% said they are worried about their personal items being stolen and 52% would prefer to rest somewhere else.
- Top three places students’ rest / nap when on campus: the library, during a lecture and at a friend's hall.
Feelings of comfort and safety about resting / napping on campus:
- Currently only 15% of students feel very safe and comfortable or safe and comfortable resting / napping in campus spaces.
- Biggest concerns (>60%): lack of privacy, security or theft of personal belongings, noisy or busy environments, and feeling vulnerable while asleep.
- 80% of respondents are very interested or interested in using a nap / sleeping pod to rest or nap on campus.
- 67% of respondents are very likely or likely to use a nap / sleeping pod to rest or nap on campus.
- 72% of respondents would feel very safe and comfortable or safe and comfortable napping or resting in a designated sleep / nap pod.
- 81% of respondents think the sleeping / nap pods should be made up of a mixture of bookable and spontaneous use space.
- Top three concerns about sleeping / nap pods: cleanliness / hygiene, worried about personal items being stolen and concerns about privacy.
>> Next steps
We have shared the results with University stakeholders and Matthew and Delilah will continue to meet with University staff to lobby for the introduction of nap pods to the Egham campus.
If you can also check out Sabbatical Officer updates on their Priority 8 Action Plans on our website.