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Interesting Student Accommodation from around the World

Students get very excited when picking their future accommodation, especially as landlords and accommodation providers compete to draw in future tenants, and are developing quirkier, more unique living spaces. 

Here are a few of interest; 

Casa dell'Accademia, Academy of Architecture - Mendrisio, Switzerland
Situated in the Swiss Alps, Casa dell’Accademia is immaculately designed – as you might expect for accommodation that lies on the campus of an architectural university. The development is only a 10-minute walk from Palazzo Canavée (the central learning area of the Academy) and houses 72 students. Every detail of this building is perfectly symmetrical – it’s no wonder Casa dell’Accademia is thought to be one of the most impressive student accommodations in the world.  

The Yurts, St. Lawrence University – Canton, New York
Dubbed the ‘coolest dorms in America’, The Yurts didn’t earn this title by having flat screen TVs. Their simple design and beautiful setting in the middle of the Adirondacks take post-lecture relaxation to the next level. Students who are interested in outdoor leadership come here for an incredible outdoors experience, which complements the teamwork and comradery skills they need to complete their course. The Yurts programme consists of the full camping experience, so they’re fully equipped with wooden stoves and a cooking range. And don’t forget the nearby climbing wall!
 

Simmons Hall, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) – Cambridge, Massachusetts USA
Not only is MIT one of the best universities in the world, but it has some of the most innovative and contemporary student halls. Simmons Hall – nicknamed the ‘sponge’ – is home to over 340 students and has won multiple awards for its unique design and approach to amenity spaces. Inside the building’s hallways, you can see a dynamic range of drawings and artwork from a bizarre range of inspiration – from Pokemon to abstract physics equations. These thought-provoking designs allow students to feel more at home and in turn make them more productive. 

Sharman Court, The University of Sheffield - Sheffield, UK
Sharman Court is situated in the heart of Sheffield, right on the doorstep of The University of Sheffield. The layout and design of each room make this accommodation stand out. Furnished with top-of-the-range products and a serene layout, Sherman Court's communal areas are cleverly designed to promote social, collaborative living, which lend themselves to a productive work environment and place to relax.

Taliesin West Shelters, Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture - Scottsdale, USA 
Perhaps the most unusual accommodation on our list: Taliesin West Shelters. As part of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for students to “learn through experience”, students are required to design their own housing in the Sonoran Desert. This approach gives students a unique understanding of design and layout, as they create their individual environments. The shelters, which house graduate students, are modest in size and just about big enough for a sleeping area and a fire pit. 

The Callaway House, University of Texas - Austin, Texas USA
The Callaway House looks more like a hotel than it does your standard student digs. With eight different floor plans to choose between, the diversity between living options here is unparalleled. Fed up of having to tidy up when your mum says she’s visiting? There’s no need to worry here if you’re messy, as each room comes with maid service. 
There’s also no chance of getting bored as the Callaway House offers a wide range of different activities including a rooftop swimming pool, a theatre room, an arcade room, and a gym. If that’s not impressive enough, all students get access to computer labs, study areas and iPad stations - all in the same building!  

Spacebox, University of Utrecht - The Netherlands
Having been installed around numerous universities in the Netherlands, Spacebox gives students a flexible, low-cost option for their accommodation. The University of Utrecht has installed over 300 units on its campus. Spacebox units focus on letting natural light in, which (combined with their colourful design) aims at promoting student productivity. To encourage car-free transport, Spacebox supply extensive bicycle storage units, and to promote a more social environment, some of the containers are used as leisure rooms and communal areas.

A Bit About Our Contributor: Student Furniture

Student Furniture is a student accommodation furnishing solutions company with a well-established history of delivering high-quality, large-scale installations on time and on budget

Ben Levy writes for Student Furniture.