Universities are becoming more than just places where people gather to study and learn; in the rapidly changing world of higher education, they are vibrant communities and hubs for innovation, research, and exchange. The purpose of this study is to investigate how learning spaces, campus design, student engagement, and satisfaction affect students' sense of belonging to their institution and what role social media plays in higher education. Despite increasing attention to these topics, the specific influences of campus environments on student satisfaction and belonging remain unclear.

An Instagram content analysis was conducted on posts from eleven final-year students. Additionally, observations were made on four campuses of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), where several students were asked three questions each about their sentiments toward their campus. Insights from these observations and mini-interviews were supplemented with extensive interviews previously conducted by FHNW on school belonging. Further, students from five other universities were also surveyed to understand campus-specific preferences.

Findings show that students predominantly post personal content on Instagram, with study-related posts often carrying a humorous tone during the exam phase as a coping mechanism. The influence of learning spaces on satisfaction and belonging is still unclear. However, a balance between quiet study areas and active social spaces was found to be crucial. Additionally, informal interactions among students, faculty, and staff are vital for fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. To improve the infrastructure at FHNW campuses, the study recommends several strategic enhancements. Firstly, rearranging seating options may help expand study spaces and adding additional seating in open areas can facilitate student interaction. Secondlly, implementing navigation tools at key locations could improve room accessibility, making it easier for students to find their way around campus. Thirdly, investing in sound ventilation systems can ensure a more comfortable study environment, and finally, enhancing the overall ambiance with greenery may create a more pleasant atmosphere.