After a long and hot summer, the 2018/19 university term is back underway. Students are packing their cars and waving goodbye to their parents, returning to their studies for another year.
For universities, the summer period is a great opportunity to refresh and redecorate social areas within the university, including the students’ union. Whilst the union provides representation, opportunities and guidance for students, it also a hub of entertainment with bars, shops and club nights.
What furniture should you use in a student union?
Furniture for a students’ union is used for a number of purposes. It has to fulfil a range of tasks and specific traits are needed. Here are the main characteristics and types of furniture needed when buying for a students’ union:
A variety of seating options. The students’ union needs to have a range of different seating types: stackable chairs, sofas and dining chairs can all be used in multiple areas.
Just like chairs. dining tables, foldable tables and coffee tables are all needed to match the range of activities in the Students’ Union.
As you would expect, furniture for student unions needs to be able to withstand the heavy-duty use. With thousands of students coming through the doors of the social areas, the furniture will certainly be put through its paces.
The student union is a social, creative area for students to meet and socialise with their peers. As such, the furniture and overall décor needs to be fresh, inviting and original.
Consider using your University’s colours on the furniture to create an overall unique look.
For those sunny days, outdoor table and seating options are a necessity.
Consider what your student union will be used for
From drinking with friends to organised debates with peers, the walls of the student union will have plenty happening in them. But not all will have space for everything. Consider if you will have designated areas for studying, socialising and eating, and how much space you want each area to take up.
Having a larger focus on drinking and club nights would alter the choice in furniture drastically from a student union used for students having a coffee in between lectures or reading and discussing module projects with peers.
Whether it is the canteen, bar, café or studying space, Trent Furniture are established suppliers of great quality furniture for universities and colleges. Regardless of budget, space or venue, we can provide the best furniture to work for your space and bespoke university needs.
Education furniture
All of our student union and university furniture is of the highest quality and many of our furniture ranges are independently tested by The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), so you can be sure you are receiving the best possible furniture.