NTU Sleeping Pods Allow Students To Take Naps In Between Breaks
Sleep-deprived students fret no more!
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has launched a temporary nap service for its sleepy undergrads earlier this week on Monday (10 Sep).
The rest pods are installed in Lee Wee Nam Library where students can use it to take a 30-minute power nap.
And of course, it’s already fully booked.
Divided response from students
The sleeping pods were initially met with a flurry of excited comments online.
But students also expressed concerns regarding the maintenance and hygiene of it.
Helping students catch more winks
The idea of installing rest pods was sparked by a common complaint amongst college kids — that they lacked sleep.
A team of NTU students minoring in entrepreneurship decided that power naps were the answer.
They tapped on $15,000 in NTU grant funds to create their own business venture — a sleeping pod start-up.
Cokun, the nap pod startup, aims to become a viable business serving offices and schools.
They will be examining feedback about the pods over the next two months, while working with the library to see if it can become a permanent fixture.
The results of the study will determine if pods should be set up across campus.
A set of rules to abide by
To prevent misuse, users have to adhere to a couple of strict rules:
- Students must book a slot in order to use the pod.
- Bookings can only be made via NTU library’s facilities booking system, using the school’s Wi-Fi network.
- Only plain water is allowed in the pod. Eating and drinking are prohibited.
- Students are required to remove their shoes before using the pod.
- Users must have their belongings within the pod since it automatically locks once the shutter is closed.
- Only one person is allowed in the pod at a time.
- Rest sessions are capped at 30 minutes.
The pod will only be open during library hours — therefore eliminating the possibility of overnight stays.
Met with positive responses
Nap pods were among the services students requested from the university in 2018.
So far, it’s been met with an overwhelmingly positive response in terms of online bookings, according to students we spoke to.
Would you say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ to sleeping pods in school libraries?
Let us know your reasons in the comments below.
Featured image from Facebook.Â
