Why Universities Are Investing in Student Experience, Not Just Buildings

By HATZ Tertiary Education Team | Last reviewed September 2026

Universities have always invested in buildings.

Today, however, many institutions are investing just as heavily in the experiences those buildings create.

While lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries and learning spaces remain essential assets, universities increasingly recognise that student success is influenced by much more than academic facilities alone.

Students are looking for environments that support learning, wellbeing, collaboration and connection. They value campuses that feel welcoming, accessible and easy to navigate. They want places where they can study, meet, collaborate and participate in university life.

As a result, campus projects are no longer evaluated solely on building performance.

They are increasingly evaluated on student outcomes.

The Most Successful Campuses Support The Whole Student

Universities have traditionally measured success through academic performance, research outputs and operational efficiency.

While these remain important, institutions are increasingly recognising the importance of student experience.

A positive student experience can contribute to:

• student engagement;
• wellbeing;
• retention;
• academic performance;
• campus participation; and
• institutional reputation.

The physical environment plays an important role in supporting these outcomes.

Students Spend More Time Outside Classrooms Than Inside Them

A common misconception is that teaching spaces are the most important part of campus design.

In reality, students often spend more time in the spaces between classes than they do inside formal teaching environments.

These spaces may include:

• learning commons;
• collaboration spaces;
• cafés;
• outdoor study areas;
• student hubs; and
• informal gathering spaces.

Collectively, these environments help shape the everyday university experience.

The best campuses recognise that learning occurs everywhere.

Belonging Matters

A strong sense of belonging is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to student success.

Students who feel connected to their campus community are often more engaged and more likely to remain enrolled.

While architecture alone cannot create community, the physical environment can support opportunities for interaction.

Well-designed campuses encourage connection through:

• visible activity;
• welcoming common spaces;
• activated ground floors;
• accessible facilities; and
• informal meeting places.

These seemingly simple design decisions can have a significant influence on how people experience university life.

Student Experience And Building Performance Are Not Opposing Objectives

Investing in student experience does not mean sacrificing functionality.

The strongest university projects achieve both.

A laboratory building should support advanced research while enabling collaboration.

A learning environment should support contemporary pedagogy while remaining comfortable and intuitive to use.

A campus renewal project should improve operational performance while enhancing the experience of students and staff.

Successful projects recognise that building performance and user experience work best when considered together.

Existing Campuses Present Significant Opportunities

Many Australian universities occupy campuses that have evolved over decades.

These campuses often contain substantial opportunities to improve student experience without requiring entirely new facilities.

Targeted interventions may include:

• improving accessibility;
• upgrading student amenities;
• creating better connections between buildings;
• revitalising underutilised spaces; and
• enhancing campus wayfinding.

Often, relatively small changes can significantly improve how people use and experience the campus.

The Student Experience Is Increasingly A Strategic Asset

Universities operate in a highly competitive environment.

Prospective students compare institutions not only on academic reputation but also on the quality of campus life.

Today's students have expectations shaped by technology, flexibility and changing patterns of learning.

Institutions that understand these expectations are increasingly viewing student experience as a strategic investment rather than an operational consideration.

The question is no longer:

"What building do we need?"

The question is increasingly:

"What experience are we trying to create?"

The HATZ Perspective

At HATZ, we believe successful university projects create value beyond the building itself.

Whether delivering campus renewal, adaptive reuse, laboratories or future master planning initiatives, our focus is creating environments that support learning, foster connection and strengthen campus communities.

The most successful campuses are not defined by the buildings they contain.

They are defined by the experiences those buildings enable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is student experience important for universities?

Student experience can influence engagement, wellbeing, retention, academic outcomes and institutional reputation. Universities increasingly recognise these factors as important components of long-term success.

What role does architecture play in student experience?

Architecture influences how students interact with a campus, access services, collaborate with peers and move between learning environments. Well-designed spaces can support learning, wellbeing and connection.

Do universities need new buildings to improve student experience?

Not necessarily. Many improvements can be achieved through campus renewal, adaptive reuse, accessibility upgrades and better use of existing assets.

What campus spaces contribute most to student experience?

Informal learning spaces, student hubs, collaboration areas, outdoor environments and shared facilities often play a significant role in shaping everyday campus life.

How can universities measure student experience outcomes?

Institutions commonly evaluate student satisfaction, retention, engagement, utilisation data and wellbeing indicators when assessing campus improvements.

Related Reading

• What Makes A University Campus Feel Like A Community?
• How Do Universities Upgrade Buildings Without Disrupting Teaching?
• When Is Adaptive Reuse Better Than Building New?
• What Is A Campus Renewal Strategy And Why Does It Matter?
• Why Every University Master Plan Needs To Think 20 Years Ahead?

Planning A Campus Project?

Whether you're planning a new facility, renewing an existing building or developing a long-term campus strategy, HATZ can help create environments that improve student outcomes while supporting operational and institutional objectives.