Empty classrooms, full campuses: rethinking space utilization in higher education

Hybrid learning has changed how students use campus space. Many classrooms sit empty while libraries, study lounges, and informal collaboration areas remain packed throughout the day. This shift presents a challenge for university planners: how can institutions balance efficient space use, student engagement, and operational costs?

Recent data highlights this issue.

“Classroom utilization averages just 38% during peak hours, while informal learning spaces see far greater demand.”

• JLL Occupancy Benchmarking Report 2024

With universities facing budget constraints and increasing pressure to optimize resources, understanding how space is actually being used is critical.

Understanding shifting student behaviors

Declining classroom attendance

Many institutions built their campuses around fixed classroom schedules. But with hybrid and asynchronous learning on the rise, students are attending fewer in-person lectures. This leads to underused lecture halls while other areas, such as breakout spaces and group study zones, are in constant demand.

Universities should consider:

• Reducing the number of large, underused lecture halls in favor of flexible teaching spaces.
• Creating reservable classrooms that allow faculty to adjust based on actual enrollment and attendance patterns.
• Reallocating classroom space to better match student activity levels throughout the day.

📌 Example: A university conducted a two-week occupancy study and found that a 200-seat lecture hall was consistently operating at just 25% capacity, while nearby group study rooms were at full occupancy. They converted part of the lecture hall into smaller breakout rooms, improving space efficiency.

Informal spaces are in higher demand

Students are still coming to campus - just not always for lectures. Instead, they seek flexible environments for studying, collaboration, and social interaction. Libraries, student centers, and lounge areas are often more crowded than traditional classrooms.

To better accommodate these needs, universities can:

• Expand multi-purpose study areas with adaptable furniture.
• Ensure collaborative spaces offer a mix of quiet and active zones to suit different working styles.
• Introduce booking systems for high-demand study spaces to prevent overcrowding.

📌 Example: A business school noticed that students were informally gathering in hallways and cafeterias to work on projects, despite available classrooms sitting empty. After reviewing occupancy data, they converted several underused classrooms into reservable study pods with whiteboards and AV equipment.

Improving space efficiency with data

Identifying patterns of low utilization

Most universities rely on timetables and historical enrollment data to plan space allocation. But these don’t always reflect actual use. Some classrooms might be scheduled but sit empty due to low attendance, while others may be too small for demand.

“Data shows that many university classrooms are booked on paper but see real occupancy rates far lower than expected.”

• JLL Occupancy Benchmarking Report 2024

By collecting short-term occupancy data, universities can:

• Identify underutilized classrooms and adjust scheduling accordingly.
• Ensure classroom sizes match actual attendance to prevent waste.
• Reallocate space based on how students and faculty actually use it.

Balancing tradition with flexibility

One challenge in higher education planning is the need to balance traditional academic structures with changing student behaviors. Universities must maintain space for lectures and faculty offices while also adapting to more flexible learning environments.

Solutions include:

• Designing convertible spaces that can function as both lecture halls and discussion rooms.
• Implementing periodic space studies to track shifting usage patterns.
• Ensuring faculty have access to data-driven insights when planning their courses.

Q&A: practical insights for campus planners

Q: How can universities ensure classroom space is being used efficiently?
A: Conducting short-term occupancy studies provides real data on classroom attendance vs. scheduling. This helps planners adjust layouts, resize classrooms, and make better use of available space.

Q: How can schools balance lecture space with informal learning spaces?
A: Flexible design is key. Classrooms should be adaptable, and underused lecture halls can be repurposed for smaller group study areas.

Q: How often should universities review their space utilization?
A: At least once per semester, especially when transitioning between academic years or adjusting hybrid learning policies.

Why occupancy data is critical for higher education

Without real data, universities risk wasting valuable space and resources. Many decisions about campus planning are based on outdated assumptions rather than actual usage patterns.

This is where Vantage Space provides value. Unlike long-term sensor-based tracking, Vantage Space offers quick, human-led occupancy studies that capture both quantitative data (how spaces are used) and qualitative insights (how students interact with those spaces).

By conducting snapshot occupancy studies, universities can:

• Identify classrooms that are consistently underused and repurpose them.
• Measure demand for informal learning spaces and adjust seating and layouts accordingly.
• Test the impact of new campus policies before committing to large-scale changes.

With the right data, universities can ensure every space serves a purpose, improving both student experience and operational efficiency.

Looking to better understand how your campus is being used? Start an occupancy study with Vantage Space today.