Sheffield has best student accommodation in UK
Student accommodation in Sheffield has been crowned the best in the UK.
The University of Sheffield won the award for Best Student Housing at the inaugural College and University Business Officers (CUBO) awards in Edinburgh, beating off tough competition from other leading UK universities.
The awards recognise excellence in the student living experience. The University of Sheffield’s student accommodation has transformed the student living experience, providing more than just a room with services, activities and events creating a balanced and inclusive community.
Pat McGrath, Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services (ACS) at the University of Sheffield said:
“We’re really proud to be awarded Best Student Housing at the CUBO awards, it’s a great achievement. “Sheffield is renowned for retaining the highest number of students when they finish their studies and I’d like to think that the student experience they get from us goes some way towards them falling in love with the city. We pride ourselves on our passion for promoting a fantastic student experience that will stay with the student for the rest of their lives. “
The University of Sheffield started its £160 million Student Residences Strategy in 2005, with a vision to create over 4,000 new bedrooms and new social and event space within just four years.
The building scheme dramatically improved the provision and quality of student accommodation and the University worked with students to ensure that the accommodation was built with them in mind. Pat added:
“Whilst our students are here to study we want to ensure that their whole experience is an enjoyable one and accommodation is a fundamental part of this. Knowing that we continue to get the offer right is great and the CUBO award cements this, especially as it is voted for by peers in the university sector.
“Students that live in our accommodation get more than just a room, they become part of a diverse community. There are opportunities to get involved and learn new skills, whether it’s helping organise events for other students, gaining valuable work experience or volunteering for local charitable causes.”
The University of Sheffield was the only university to be shortlisted for two awards and was also shortlisted for the Innovation Award for Excellence in Student Experience for their successful Communities project.
The high standard of accommodation at the University of Sheffield has been consistently recognised by both students and peers. The University was voted joint top in the UK for accommodation in the 2011 Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, as well as seeing high levels of satisfaction in the International Student Barometer and Student Barometer Surveys and in their own Residents Survey.
ENDS
For further information please contact: Nichola Atherton at Ruby Slippers Ltd, on 0114 221 7487 or email nichola@rubyslippers.co.uk
IMAGE: Accepting the CUBO award was (L-R): Ian Jones, head of accommodation services, Gavin Hastings OBE, Pat McGrath, director of accommodation and commercial services, Jacqui Cameron, head of marketing and communications, Stéphane Slama-Royer managing director of Uliving and sponsors of the award.