How students can flourish in co-working community?

The co-working segment in India is growing at a scorching pace. It is believed that going forward, 20% of the overall leasing will be led by shared space. The demand for co-working space is not just limited to start-ups, freelancers, and small enterprises but also to larger enterprises and MNCs. Likewise, writers, lawyers, and artists are also lured to such spaces in big volumes due to their inherent advantages such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, networking opportunities, etc.

Another segment that can heavily benefit from shared office spaces is the student community. Modern-day co-working spaces with ergonomically conducive designs can help the student fraternity to focus and study alongside meeting new people from various streams and building meaningful contacts.

Presently, students mostly flock to coffee shops and libraries in search of a peaceful atmosphere to study or do group discussions. However, co-working spaces can be a better alternative with high-speed internet, whiteboards & projectors, meeting rooms, common areas, study materials, and recreational facilities, to study.

Some of the biggest benefits of co-working spaces are that they offer a completely distraction-free atmosphere and 24/7 security, which might not be possible in public hangout joints and cafes. Coffee shops or cafes though look tempting but are generally noisy and might inhibit the ability to concentrate.

Networking and being a part of the larger co-working community are other benefits of a shared space. In such places, students can meet other students, working professionals, and start-up owners thereby enriching their overall experience. Students can learn about new job opportunities and openings with various organizations and thus enhance their chances of landing the right job.

Universities are leasing shared spaces worldwide

Many universities worldwide are now making tie-ups with shared office service providers. Likewise, universities are also setting up their own shared office spaces.

There are numerous reasons behind universities and academic institutions pivoting to shared spaces. First and foremost, many students can use co-working space facilities to study amidst the growing trend of homebound education. This can help in reducing the fatigue triggered by distance learning and enable students to stay productive.

However, the advantages associated with co-working spaces are no more just limited to this. Co-working spaces enable students to network better, nurture innovation, and enable students to learn more about the corporate world from the early stage itself.

Melbourne University has already leased out shared space across ~ 24,000 Sq ft. and transforming it into a tech innovation hub. Likewise, the London School of Economics has taken shared spaces, which can be used by students and alumni. This can also nurture fruitful engagement between alumni and students and further gives chance to the latter to enhance their skillsets and knowledge.

Universities and colleges scouting for co-working spaces also need to be seen in the context of changing role of academic institutions. The definition of such places is no more limited to academic dissemination but becoming facilitating ground for linking education, corporate networking, and tech innovation.

Indian universities and tech institutions are also realizing the importance of co-working spaces in the new normal. In the coming time, we can see numerous big-sized deals and partnerships between academic organizations and co-working operators.