New wellbeing spaces launched at the Library
The Glucksman Library, Disability Support Services and Student Affairs are pleased to announce the launch of two new wellbeing spaces as part of HeadSpace, the Library's range of student-centred facilities designed to support wellbeing, balance and academic success.
The spaces were launched on November 10th by Professor Ronni M. Greenwood, Associate Vice President Student Engagement. Also in attendance were Dr Rhona McCormack, Director of Student Affairs; Louise O’Shea, Library Space Manager; Tracy McAvinue, UDIPUL Project Officer; Ciara McCaffrey, Library Director and colleagues from the Library, Student Affairs and Disability Support Services.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Greenwood said “Student success is about more than what happens in the classroom. It's also about creating a university environment where every student feels they belong and can flourish. These wonderful new spaces show what we can achieve when we listen to students and work together to respond to their needs. Sometimes what a student needs most is simply somewhere to step away, take a breath, and find a little peace.”
The project was delivered through a collaborative partnership between UL Library, Disability Support Services and Student Affairs, with funding provided through PATH 4, Human Capital Initiative (HCI) and UL Library co-funding. The project was further supported by teams across Buildings & Estates, who completed a range of works to help deliver the new spaces. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the student experience by providing universally designed, accessible and inclusive spaces that support rest, reflection, sensory regulation, and wellbeing. The new facilities comprise:
HeadSpace: Calm Room (Seomra Ciúin)
A bookable, solo-use space intended for quiet rest, sensory regulation, mindfulness and calm reflection. The room provides students with a private, flexible environment with adjustable features that allow them to create a space that works for their individual needs, to take a break, reset, and return to their studies refreshed and refocused.
HeadSpace: Chill Room (Seomra Suaimhnis)
A shared drop-in space designed for short visits for relaxation, self-regulation and wellbeing. The room offers a welcoming and flexible environment where students can choose how they use the space, whether to pause or recharge, for privacy and quiet, or for sensory stimulation or regulation.
These new spaces complement the Library's existing HeadSpace facilities, including Rest Pods, Study Bikes, Height Adjustable Desks, wellbeing resources and informal relaxation areas throughout the building.
