International Women in Engineering Day: The Best Student Living Tips for STEM Students

International Women in Engineering Day takes place on 23 June, celebrating the achievements of women working in engineering while encouraging more young people to consider careers across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For university students already studying a STEM subject, the day is also a useful opportunity to think about the wider conditions that support academic success.

Degree choice matters, but so do everyday factors such as where a student lives, how easily they can reach laboratories and whether their accommodation provides a comfortable place to study.

Engineering and other STEM courses can involve long contact hours, group projects, practical sessions and demanding assessment periods. Choosing suitable student accommodation can therefore make university life feel more manageable, productive and secure.

Look for a Room That Supports Focused Study

A student bedroom often needs to serve several purposes. It is a place to sleep and relax, but it may also become the main location for reading, revising, coding, preparing reports and completing technical assignments.

A suitable desk should be one of the first things STEM students consider when viewing accommodation. It should be large enough for a laptop, notebooks and any additional equipment, such as a second screen or drawing materials.

A supportive chair, accessible plug sockets and reliable lighting can also make a considerable difference during long study sessions.

Students should also pay attention to natural light and ventilation. A bright, comfortable room may help them remain focused, while a room that becomes excessively hot, cold or poorly ventilated could make studying more difficult.

Where possible, students can ask to see the exact bedroom they will be renting rather than relying only on photographs of a similar room.

Consider Noise Levels Before Signing

Shared student living can be social and enjoyable, but constant noise may become challenging for students completing detailed or highly technical work.

Engineering students may need to prepare calculations, analyse data or write lengthy laboratory reports. Computer science students might spend extended periods coding, while students studying subjects such as chemistry or biomedical science may need to revise complex terminology and processes.

Before choosing a property, it may help to ask whether the household is generally quiet, social or somewhere in between. Students should also consider nearby roads, nightlife venues and communal spaces.

A lively city centre property may suit some students, but others may prefer a quieter residential area that allows them to separate study time from social activities.

Check the Commute to Laboratories and Teaching Buildings

Distance from campus is not simply about convenience. For STEM students, it can affect punctuality, energy levels and access to specialist facilities.

Many courses include laboratory sessions, workshops, placements and group activities that cannot be completed remotely.

Students at institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of Manchester and the University of Sheffield may find that their departments are located in specific parts of a larger campus.

Before selecting accommodation, students should check the journey to the buildings they are most likely to use, rather than measuring the distance only to the university’s main entrance.

It is also sensible to test the commute at the time students will normally travel. A short journey on a quiet afternoon may take much longer during the morning rush hour.

Those using public transport should look at the frequency of services, evening timetables and alternative routes. Students cycling or walking may wish to consider lighting, traffic levels and access to secure bicycle storage.

Think About Access to Libraries and Quiet Spaces

Even a well-designed student room may not always provide the right environment for productive work. Housemates may have guests, maintenance work could be taking place or a student may simply need a change of scenery.

Living close to a university library, study centre or public library can provide valuable flexibility. Some universities offer specialist spaces for postgraduate students, group projects or silent study.

For example, students at the University of Birmingham, the University of Bristol and the University of Edinburgh can usually access a mixture of libraries, teaching spaces and subject-specific facilities across their campuses.

Students should check opening hours, particularly during weekends and examination periods. They may also want to find out whether study spaces need to be booked in advance.

Make Reliable Internet a Priority

Strong internet access is important for almost every university course, but it can be especially important for STEM students using cloud-based software, virtual learning environments, large datasets or specialist programs.

Before signing a tenancy, students should ask whether broadband is included, what speed is available and how many people will share the connection. It is also worth checking whether bedrooms receive a stable Wi-Fi signal.

A connection that works well in the living room may be much weaker in an upstairs or rear bedroom. Where permitted, students may be able to use an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to improve reliability.

Take Safety and Security Seriously

Safety should be considered by every student, particularly those who may return home after late laboratory sessions, society meetings or project work.

Students can look at whether routes from campus are well lit and regularly used. Accommodation should ideally have secure external doors, working locks, appropriate window security and clearly maintained communal entrances.

Those living in larger developments may also value controlled entry systems, staffed reception areas or secure parcel storage.

Women studying engineering and other traditionally male-dominated subjects may find that a supportive living environment contributes to their wider sense of confidence and belonging. Feeling comfortable at home can provide an important foundation during busy or demanding periods.

Build a Supportive Community

International Women in Engineering Day highlights not only achievement, but also the importance of representation and encouragement.

Students may benefit from joining engineering societies, women in STEM networks, mentoring schemes or subject-specific communities.

Universities including Loughborough University, the University of Cambridge and University College London support a wide range of academic and professional societies that can help students meet others with similar interests.

The household can form another valuable support network. Living with people who respect study schedules, communicate openly and understand academic pressures may help create a healthier university experience.

Creating the Right Foundation for STEM Success

There is no single type of student accommodation that will suit every engineering or STEM student. Some will prefer a busy shared house close to campus, while others will work better in a quieter property with fewer occupants.

The most important step is to think beyond rent and appearance. Desk space, noise, internet quality, travel time, security and access to study facilities can all shape daily university life.

International Women in Engineering Day is a celebration of progress, talent and ambition. By choosing accommodation that supports focus, safety and connection, STEM students can give themselves a stronger foundation from which to learn, develop and contribute to the future of their field.