gair rhydd Monday February 13 2012 | freeword – Est. 1972 | Issue 969
Bar-gained University Halls’ students set to gain new social space Henry McMorrow News Editor
Gair rhydd has been informed that the University has decided to reinvest money in the University Halls Campus. It has emerged that the University have allocated £250,000 for the refurbishment of the Bar complex which should be available again for the next academic year. The development plans are still in their infancy and it is therefore unclear what the space will be designated for, however, it seems that food and drink will be available through vending machines rather than through an on-site kitchen and bar. The news has been greeted with positivity amongst the student community, though concerns have been
raised regarding those students currently housed at University Halls who have been disappointed with the university for reneging on those facilities promised. With no reduction in accommodation fees, such high levels of student discontent are not surprising. A University spokesperson said of the situation, “The Campus Services Division have always intended to redevelop the space and as such a survey of University Hall residents was conducted in December 2011 and indicated support for a possible learning / social space to be developed on site.” In Issue 960 gair rhydd reported that the closure of the bar had been met with staunch student opposition. An investigation was launched by the paper that illuminated disparities in facilities provided to students of differing halls
of residences. Facilities provided also seemed to bear no relation to accommodation fees. A student living in a University Halls en-suite room currently pays the equivalent amount to a student from a Talybont South en-suite room but does not have the benefit of a fully refurbished social centre or gym on site. A University spokesperson said of the Social Centre at Talybont, “The facility is also used by sports visitors to the site, conference and function bookings, University staff and as part of arrivals arrangements.” The crux of the initial campaign was the fact that students in University Halls had been promised a range of facilities that did not exist in reality. Included in the information provided by the Student Residences Guide, were a Bar and tennis courts, both of which were not
operational as we went to print on October 24 2011. A student protest was launched which garnered the support of over 400 students and was presented to the Estates Department of the University.. As the facilities advertised were not available, which arguably influenced certain individuals’ decision to choose University halls., current residents have launched a Facebook campaign to have a portion of their fees rebated It was generally considered by students interviewed at the campus that, owing to their geographical distance from the university main campus, the provision for students at University Halls should actually be better than for the provision for those students in Talybont, who are located half a mile closer. With regards to the future devel-
opment, the University spokesperson explained: “There are no concrete plans in place but from initial feedback we think the residents would welcome upgraded WiFi, comfortable seating areas, work stations, large working tables, PCs, printing and copying facilities, vending services… large screen television(s) and music. “Nick Matthew and Chris Davies, Sabbatical Officers from the Students’ Union, kindly offered to assist us with gathering further feedback using Facebook. Once we have received feedback, we will then be preparing an outline proposal and will consult further with the residents at University Hall, including plans/drawing.”
Have your say. If you are a Uni Halls resident, past or present then search: Uni Halls: development of social space on Facebook to have your say.