Thiel College opens Sensory Studio in The Learning Commons

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- The Thiel College Learning Commons, Accessibility Resource Center, and Counseling Center are hosting a grand opening for the Sensory Studio from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 22. All members of the campus community are encouraged to attend.

The Sensory Studio is located in The Learning Commons space in the Langenheim Memorial Library. It is divided into two separate rooms: one with a focus on quiet and relaxation and the other with a focus on mental stimulation. Rooms can be reserved in 30-minute increments beginning Wednesday and are available for use Monday through Friday during business hours.

“The Sensory Studio has been more than a year in the making and has been made possible by students’ fundraising efforts and a generous donation from the Northern Mercer County Community Foundation. (It is) available to students and employees of the College,” Director of The Learning Commons Robin Sakonyi said.

“One room provides a quiet space to relax and unwind and contains items such as a massage chair, yoga mats, and a water feature. The other space provides items such as fun lighting, a hammock chair, a scent diffuser, and a variety of activities to stimulate your mind,” Director of the Counseling Center Melanie Broadwater ’98 said.

These rooms offer students a safe place to de-stress, relax, and self-regulate in a comfortable space, Coordinator of the Accessibility Resource Center Erin Bain said.

Research has shown that sensory rooms—specially designed spaces that provide a calming environment—can help individuals manage sensory overload, stress, or anxiety. Although, they were originally used in therapy for individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders, sensory rooms now support students across neurodivergent and neurotypical populations alike, promoting mental well-being and focus. On college campuses, sensory rooms help students decompress during high-stress periods, such as exams or transitions at the start of semesters. Increasingly, higher education is adopting sensory rooms as part of broader efforts to enhance student wellbeing, reflecting an understanding that academic success is intertwined with mental health support, according to the research.

Related Link

• Thiel College Health & Wellness

Related Stories

• Thiel College coach talks to CBS station about program to benefit players’ mental health
• Psychology professor researching the ‘damage control’ health habits of students
• International expert in sports-related concussions highlights Haer Family Symposium

Office of Admission

• Request information about Thiel College
• Schedule a visit
• Apply