Over 1 million Londoners live in overcrowded homes, with more than half being children. A National Housing Federation Report reveals that many young people have no quiet or dedicated space to study at home, which profoundly impacts their education, mental health, and future aspirations (National Housing Federation Report). In nearly half (48%) of these homes, children struggle to do homework due to a lack of space. Many are forced to study in unconventional places like bathrooms, staircases, or cars, or wait until late at night for peace and quiet.

Oluferanmi Balogun, the founder, grew up in a two-bedroom flat with a large family and often had to study in the bathroom to find quiet. This personal experience motivated her to create Room Too, a solution that transforms underused community spaces into quiet and creative hubs. She has already co-designed the initiative with over 20 young people, parents, and professionals and secured support from a local council and initial funding.

Room Too is transforming overlooked community venues into welcoming, resource-equipped study hubs for 16–19-year-olds. Each hub, co-designed with young people, offers quiet study zones, mentoring, networking, and creative project spaces tailored to their needs. By providing a dedicated environment for learning and creativity, the initiative helps young people build confidence, focus, and motivation, while fostering connections and pathways for skills development through workshops and peer collaboration.

In doing so, Room Too addresses one of the hidden root causes of educational disadvantage: the lack of space at home. By creating alternatives to overcrowded living environments, the project reduces pressure on families, schools, and youth workers, while opening up new opportunities for young people to thrive. With plans to expand into a network of hubs across boroughs and partnerships that enable referrals from schools and social workers, Room Too is building a system of care that makes access easier for those who need it most.

Oluferanmi Balogun, 19, is the visionary behind Room Too. Her work is deeply rooted in her own lived experience of struggling to find a quiet place to study. Motivated by a commitment to equity and dignity, she has built an initiative that not only provides physical spaces but also reimagines education beyond the classroom. 

Through Room Too, Oluferanmi is creating an equitable starting point for young people and empowering them to achieve their academic and personal goals.