27 Jun 2025
by Anne-Marie Payne
In 2024, Republic’s Campus Experience Team undertook a substantial student insight project, to better understand the lived experience of learners at Republic. With 670 survey responses and 32 in-depth interviews, it captured a detailed picture of student life across a multi-university campus.
The findings reinforced what many have long understood: academic infrastructure matters, but students also seek meaningful engagement, social connection, and support beyond the classroom. They’re looking for accessible support, inclusive spaces, and opportunities to build relationships with each other and with the campus itself – both with one another and with the place they study.
For the team behind Republic’s campus experience, the insights were a mandate for action. Here’s what the students told us – and how those voices are shaping the future of the campus.
A peaceful and productive place to study
The overall response to Republic’s environment was strongly positive. Students gave the campus an average satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5, frequently citing the quiet, modern setting and welcoming design.
- 73% of students said the public realm contributed to their wellbeing
- Outdoor areas like the Lakeside and Sandpit were consistently praised
- Many described the campus as peaceful, open, and conducive to focus
Students valued the sense of calm, especially compared to other London-based university campuses.
73% of students said the public realm contributed to their wellbeing
But many leave straight after class
Despite high satisfaction with the physical environment, many students reported a lack of reasons to stay on campus after lectures.
- Only 40% said they found it easy to form social connections
- 13% reported actively struggling to make friends
- Some were unaware of events and opportunities happening around them
This pattern was particularly pronounced among international students and postgraduates, many of whom felt they lacked informal social space or consistent information channels.
A need for more visible support
While most students knew how to access academic services, awareness of broader support was mixed. Several students said they didn’t know who to ask about issues beyond the classroom – whether personal, practical, or financial.
These insights informed several key interventions:
- Creation of The Common Room: A flexible, modular social space designed with and for students
- Improved signage and wayfinding: Clearer maps, breadcrumb trails, and entry-point information
- WhatsApp and social media updates: Direct communication channels with students to promote events and support services
Students working hard beyond their studies
The student body at Republic is highly engaged with study, work, and family life. Over 50% work part-time, and 20% work full-time alongside their studies.
Many students are also carers or parents and need more flexible and responsive support. Programming now reflects this:
- Events scheduled at different times of day and across multiple days
- More drop-in formats and low-pressure, social opportunities
What students want more of
The survey highlighted key challenges and offered clear direction on students’ priorities for the campus experience:
- Career and employability events with real-world outcomes
- Creative and cultural programming, particularly led by students
- Opportunities for enterprise, networking, and mentoring
In addition to this, students said they were proud of Republic’s diversity and expressed a desire for more visible representation in programming and placemaking, from cultural celebrations to role-model campaigns.
A model that responds to lived experience
The student voice is central to how Republic evolves. Rather than a fixed offer, the campus experience is built to respond – to change in line with what students actually need, rather than what institutions may assume.
The Campus Experience Team continues to run focus groups and co-design new ideas for campus life in collaboration with students. This is how programming and placemaking at Republic stays relevant and meaningful.
Looking ahead
The 2024 Student Survey marked a turning point: a move from assumptions to evidence, and from standard provision to student-informed action.
As universities everywhere – particularly those establishing London outposts away from their main campuses – consider how to support student belonging, wellbeing, and civic participation, Republic is putting insight into practice. Student voice sits at the heart of its evolving strategy, helping to shape a campus that feels connected, inclusive, and grounded in place.
To learn more about Republic’s student insight work, or to share ideas for collaboration, contact community@republic.london
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