Is Taylor’s Becoming a Self- Contained Student City?

Some universities only provide classes but other universities start influencing the rhythm of students' daily life. The vicinity of the Taylor's Lakeside Campus has become more than just a place to study for many Taylor's University students. It has now become a miniature world where students live, study, have meals, go shopping, exercise and party.

The world of students around the campus is like a normal routine. Students walk to school in the morning with their coffee in hand. At lunchtime, restaurants and convenience stores are crowded with students making lunch choices. Study areas, café and other social spaces become part of their daily routine after classes.

  Student seating area and café space near Taylor’s University. Source: Photo taken by the author.

Building or facilities are not the only things the concept of “student city” is about. It's whether students are able to find most of what they need every day in one place. This is beginning to happen more and more around Taylor's. Study areas, social spaces, gyms, convenience stores, printing shops and restaurants are located nearby. This is helpful for students who live on the premises or nearby.

Taylor's University's Bachelor of Business (Honours) student, Wang Shiyu, commented that she do not have to leave the area on weekdays that much. “Everything is in close proximity; I can go to school, meet up with my friends, go to the convenience store, print my assignment and head back to my room“.

This is a very convenient tool for a lot of students, particularly those that don't drive. It also facilitates international students as food, services and social spaces are readily available near the study and living place of students. One of the most obvious reflections of this “student-city lifestyle” is food. Local food and café food as well as fast food is available around Taylor's. These food choices are more than a solution to hunger. They also form habits and social life of the students. A 15-minute lunch break can turn into a time to get together with friends and a café table can turn into a room for discussion groups.

But convenience also has an effect on spending. With cafés, restaurants and delivery services so close, it's easy for small purchases to become a part of students' daily routine. Going out for coffee prior to lesson or ordering food during group activities may appear insignificant but can be a time consuming behavior over time.

Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) student and campus neighbor Zhu Siyu said life can be repetitive, sometimes. “It's really simple to be in the same zone all the time, ” she said. “All the tools are available here, and sometimes I feel at ease, but also at the same time like I'm in the same rut.

This illustrates the conflict in the evolution of Taylor as an integrated student city. The area on the one hand provides safety, accessibility and comfort. However, it can lead students to be over reliant on the same limited environment.

The students are a steady source of customers for local businesses. Student demand is a boon to cafés, restaurants, printing shops, convenience stores and delivery services. Campus areas are predictable in their activity patterns, and have busy times before class, at lunch, before assignments are due, during exams and in the evening.

Taylor is in many ways a mini student city already. Students are located in a place where they can study, eat, shop, socialise, live and access services. But a student-friendly city should not be merely convenient. It should also be low cost, safe, and well-balanced and supportive.

Taylor is in many ways a mini student city already. Students are located in a place where they can study, eat, shop, socialise, live and access services. But a student-friendly city should not be merely convenient. It should also be low cost, safe, and well-balanced and supportive.