Are we making campuses too convenient?
Research
Students are under more pressure than ever balancing growing work commitments. It makes sense that they want efficiency. A timetable that doesn't involve a 90-minute commute for a single lecture. Fast answers to admin queries. A study desk they can find without wandering three libraries. Course materials available online.
These are all reasonable asks and to be honest, we would want the same things. But I keep wondering: if we make everything too convenient, are we quietly removing the nudges that lead to human connection?
The friction of connection
Connection tends to happen in the in-between moments. And those moments are usually slightly uncomfortable ones.
Asking for directions when you're lost. Small talk while waiting for a room to open. Putting your hand up in a lecture when you're not quite sure what you are asking. Introducing yourself to the person sitting next to you.
As an introvert, I know those moments require a small act of courage every time. But they are so foundational. These are a way that people build social confidence and resilience.
As campuses lean further into AI tools and remote options, we're replacing human-to-human interactions with human-to-AI ones. Why put your hand up when you can ask AI for the answer? Why seek out a course advisor when you can get a pros and cons breakdown from Chat GPT in seconds?
These tools are genuinely useful (I am currently loving Claude). But they don't build the same thing. We are recruiting for a graduate position at the moment and the main characteristic I am looking for is resilience. I want the student who asked questions.
What this means for Higher Ed property and estate teams
An interesting example comes from a recent survey at a regional campus. A team provides free tea, coffee, and a simple breakfast program in a communal kitchen. It is relatively low cost and easy to run. But students loved it because it gave them a reason to linger. A nudge toward a conversation they might not have otherwise had.
The intentional campus requires a different way of thinking from “what space do we need to accommodate our people” to “what experiences and connections should our spaces help people achieve?” Everyone bristles at the outdated 'sticky campus' term, so what about an intentional campus? One that weaves and nudges students and staff toward connection and experiences they need.
Now, it is important to note that people don’t want or need to connect all the time. In fact, our data shows students are consistently seeking our quiet spaces that aren’t loud or high-traffic zones. Providing that space is, in itself, an intentional experience.
But outside of these quiet moments, design nudges are becoming integral to a healthy social experience. The physical estate will become a key lever that helps students opt in, rather than opt out of connection.
I am genuinely interested if this is something you are seeing on your campus, let me know if you have any examples to share sam@campusintuition.com
