The sensory room is open to all SUNY Cortland students! Use AccessCortland to reserve the room, or stop by the Disability Resources office to ask if the room is available.
What is the Sensory Room?
The sensory room was created to provide a space where students can take a break from college in an environment that can be tailored to their individual needs. College is constant input—noise, lights, social demands, and deadlines. Having space to reset your nervous system can help prevent the overwhelm, overstimulation, and shutdown that often come with stress.
This space supports both sensory seeking and sensory avoiding needs. Whatever overload or burnout looks like for you, we invite you to explore what the sensory room has to offer.
- Do you not like overhead lights? Use dimmable lamps or a colored light bar instead.
- Is quiet… too quiet? Turn on the sound machine.
- Need a place to lie down and decompress? Try the elongated bean bag chair.
- Looking to meditate or stretch? There’s space and a yoga mat available.
- Want to do schoolwork? Use a seated or standing position with our height-adjustable desk.
- Need something to fidget with? We’ve got thinking putty, kinetic sand, and more.
How to Get Into the Sensory Room
The sensory room door is kept locked. If the room is not in use, you may ask for instant access to the room. Please visit the Disability Resources Office (Van Hoesen Hall Room C014) for help getting in or help with scheduling.
To reserve the Sensory Room:
- Log into AccessCortland (also found on the Student tab of myRedDragon).
- Go to Appointments, then Request New Appointment
- Choose an appointment type
- Reserve Sensory Room 30 min or 60 min
- Select 'Done'
- Check Availability. You can pick and choose days and times then Submit Request.
If you've already reserved the room in AccessCortland, you're all set! If you haven't reserved the room, the Disability Resources office will reserve it for you if it's available.
How to Use the Sensory Room
- When entering, please flip the door tag to the "occupied" side.
- No candles, incense, or open flames in the room.
- Floor lamp cannot be moved near the tapestry.
- Clean up after yourselves and leave the room the way you find it.
- Ask the Disability Resources Office if you need anything.
Sharing the Sensory Room with Friends
If you'd like to use the room with friends, only one person needs to reserve the room. That person will be responsible for the space.
Location and hours of operation
Van Hoesen Hall, Room C001
8 a.m. – noon
1 – 4:30 p.m.
(Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.)