As Study Hotels continued to grow, the brand reached a pivotal moment. What began as a hospitality concept rooted in university-adjacent destinations was evolving into something larger and more nuanced, with the potential for new offerings and greater ambition. To support this next phase, Study Hotels partnered with Other Tomorrows to define a clear, compelling brand that could unify its existing experiences while remaining flexible enough to scale—including opportunities far beyond university campuses.Study Hotels’ existing brand didn’t capture the level of sophistication already present in the experience. With a growing network of potential partners, Study Hotels needed a clear strategic vision brought to life through a cohesive brand experience, a distinctive identity, and clearly articulated positioning.
“People look up to these universities. It is about holding up the standards of these institutions, really passionate people doing things very well.”
Leila S., MIT Parent
Through our human-centered research process, we uncovered three critical pillars that would define the path forward:
The identity needed to balance the weight of tradition with modern design. It had to stand on its own as a unique brand while sitting comfortably next to the iconic visual languages of institutions like Yale and Johns Hopkins.
The system couldn't be a ceiling; it had to be a foundation. We needed a brand architecture that supported a wide range of expansion opportunities—from new location partners to offerings that extended beyond traditional hotels.
We looked past demographic data to find the shared emotional thread: a deep desire for connection and intellectual engagement. We developed personas—Scholarly Professionals, Reuniting Visitors, and Local Connectors—to ensure the brand felt rooted in each community’s unique culture.
“Connecting and participating. Sometimes collaboration are over a drink or a meal... planting the seeds for new opportunities in the future.”
Cory Z., Harvard & Yale Alumni
We designed a visual identity that is intentionally simple and clean, serving as a sophisticated backdrop for a rich community to build upon. Rather than competing with the storied institutions it sits alongside, the brand identity provides a quiet, modern stage for the intellectual life of the campus and the city to take center stage. The resulting design system brings a sense of timeless storytelling to life. The brand voice and visual language that reflect the mindset of lifelong learners and thoughtful hosts. Photography finds delight in the nuances—the intellectual hum of shared ideas, the joyful energy of friends reuniting, and the precise, thoughtful details of the guest experience.
Other Tomorrows
Jessica Maniatis
Jo Luo
Lee Moreau
Ludo Cestarelli
Tim Radville
Pete Strutt
Study Hotels
Paul McGowan
Jennifer Veseli
Katherine Wilson
Kristine Martini
Owen McGowan
