For many students, university marks the first time in their lives that they are truly independent. But with this newfound freedom comes a whole load of new responsibilities. Among these, ensuring that you budget appropriately for your student life is of paramount importance. The more you know about your finances
Teeside University has welcomed its latest flagship building, which has been completed as part of a new UK centre of excellence for biosciences set to open later this year. The new National Horizons Centre, the University’s research, teaching and training facility, was delivered by Wates Construction over a year-long build programme.
It was a double night of success for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and architecture and sports & leisure firm LK2 at the Lincoln Good Design Awards, as the newly renovated Constance Stewart Hall took home the coveted ‘Outstanding Project’ and ‘Best Commercial Project’ awards. Designed by LK2, the impressive £2.2m
The University of Glasgow has appointed architects Woods Bagot to design and deliver a new building to house its School of Engineering. The new Engineering Building is part of the University’s £1 billion Campus Development Programme, which is redeveloping the 14 acre site of the former Western Infirmary in
A new student accommodation development is due to arrive in Leeds as construction work commences on the site after funding is provided. The Refinery scheme progressed after local developer Gregory Property Group announced forward funding from Curlew. “We are pleased to have secured funding for an immediate start on site.
Södra Wood was delighted this month to sponsor the undergraduate architecture students’ timber workshop at The Cass, London Metropolitan University. The construction workshop is an annual event for the School of Architecture, taking place in February each year. Second year architecture students travel offsite to Mudchute Park and Farm, where they
A new research undertaken by the team at www.MyJobQuote.co.uk as part of an ongoing study into apprenticeships ahead of National Apprenticeship Week has revealed that 64% of Britons felt pressured to go to university by teachers whilst they were at school, and a further 41% felt pressured by their parents. More than
Tecom Group has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to build the second phase of its campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). As part of the agreement that the two signed, Tecom will build a new purpose-built 50,000m² campus. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the facilities will be located
A new building designed by London-based practice, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 2014, Walters & Cohen won an architectural competition to design new accommodation for Newnham College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The original brief was to design
A project milestone has been achieved by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on its new Marshall Building. After the demolition of the existing structure at 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Mace commenced construction work on the redevelopment project. In order to improve the impact, effectiveness and appeal
For many students, university marks the first time in their lives that they are truly independent. But with this newfound freedom comes a whole load of new responsibilities. Among these, ensuring that you budget appropriately for your student life is of paramount importance. The more you know about your finances beforehand, the easier it will be to work out an appropriate budget. It is therefore very helpful to know how much the essentials of your accommodation are going to cost. Here are some of the most important components of your student accommodation budget. Rent Unless you have some kind of private arrangement, rent is always going to account for the biggest accommodation-related expense. According to Save the Student, the average student rent is £406, with a further £47 being spent on bills. Of course, the amount you are willing to spend on rent, the better the accommodation you will be able to procure. Some students are able to get by with the absolute most basic and minimal accommodation, but for others this can be detrimental to their overall university experience. Upgrading If you are someone who requires more luxurious accommodation than the usual options, you should look to a specialist provider. For example, if you are looking for luxury student accommodation in Newcastle, check out Collegiate. They offer all-inclusive next-level student accommodation in convenient locations. One of their options, Plummer House, is located close to both Newcastle University and Northumbria University and boasts unique features such as a games room, a VIP bar and beautiful interior design throughout the property. This is the perfect option for the most discerning students. Food The amount you need to set aside to cover your food costs will depend on a number of factors, not least of all how much work you are willing to put into your meals. If you are willing to prepare your own meals from scratch, you will find that you can feed yourself for a lot less. If spending more on your accommodation is a priority for you, look for ways to keep your food bills down. Save The Student puts the average monthly food bill for students at £108, which works out at £27 every week. However, you can reduce this amount easily by cooking as much of your food from scratch as possible. It is worth investing in a student cookbook as these will be full of money-saving meal ideas. Other Factors to Consider While your choice of accommodation is obviously an important one in determining what your university experience is like, there are other important things to consider when establishing your budget. For example, you will want to ensure you have enough money left over for some rest and relaxation. Socialising is an important part of the university experience. Overall you will want to set aside at least £400 to cover the costs of your accommodation. However, prices can vary wildly from city to city and between different accommodation types. Make sure that you carefully research the city your university is in so you can get as good an idea as possible as to how much it will cost you to live there. Remember that student housing will be cheaper than the average rent price in the area.
Teeside University has welcomed its latest flagship building, which has been completed as part of a new UK centre of excellence for biosciences set to open later this year. The new National Horizons Centre, the University’s research, teaching and training facility, was delivered by Wates Construction over a year-long build programme. The £22.3 million building will sit at the heart of a cluster of excellence on Darlington’s Central Park alongside the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre and the University’s Centre for Professional and Executive Development. At peak construction periods, Wates’ team stood at 125 site operatives with extensive opportunities for training and employment for local people also created. On-site training has also included the contractor’s industry leading Building Futures course, which is designed to introduce local jobseekers to careers in construction. The course at the National Horizons Centre led to long-term employment for 50% of candidates with Wates and its supply chain. “The new National Horizons Centre is one of the biggest investments we have made so far. Our rich history of innovation, research and development is set to continue thanks to this state-of-the-art facility in Darlington. Just a year ago, I was stood in an empty field and we were breaking ground on this world-class biosciences research facility – and now we’re seeing the results. I’m also delighted to see that local businesses and local apprentices have benefited from the construction phase,” said Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. “The new economy will be built on biologics and digital – key sectors we need to support. This massive £17.5million commitment of ours is testament to the importance we have placed on securing jobs for the future,” he added. A programme of fit-out works are now scheduled to take place ahead of the reveal of the new campus later this year.
It was a double night of success for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and architecture and sports & leisure firm LK2 at the Lincoln Good Design Awards, as the newly renovated Constance Stewart Hall took home the coveted ‘Outstanding Project’ and ‘Best Commercial Project’ awards. Designed by LK2, the impressive £2.2m redevelopment was chosen by the Planning Department of Lincoln City Council as the overall ‘Outstanding Project’ of 2019, whilst a public vote placed it top in the commercial category. In naming it the ‘Outstanding Project’ the panel praised the design’s ability to maintain the heart and character of the existing art deco building whilst adding a modern aesthetic: “This modern extension to an academic building has real dynamism with bold modern materials and strong geometry which creates great contrast, whilst referencing the art deco design of the host building. The result is a prominent and sculptural focal point onto this busy junction announcing BGU’s presence.” As the Vice-Chancellor of BGU, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, noted, this union of history and innovation was vital to the University: “When it came to creating a new flexible teaching space we needed a building that would support our ambitions, and we wanted a team of architects who could make this a reality. The design by LK2 for Constance Stewart Hall perfectly captured this balance and our finished building provides students with cutting edge facilities to help them progress. We are incredibly proud to have been an integral part of the Lincoln community for over 150 years and it is immensely rewarding to see that the people of this city hold our campus in such a high regard.” Dale Lui, chief executive of LK2 Group, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded two fantastic awards for this iconic scheme which has transformed the cityscape. The extra special thing about this award is that the project was voted for by the general public, showing that people from the city of Lincoln appreciate the building’s design. “This project showcases the impact of good design in so many different ways. Acting as a ‘shop window’, the new building gives BGU’s campus greater prominence and promotes the university to the wider community. The design of the building has enabled us to create an ‘outward-looking’ part of the campus, inviting local people to see the university as part of their community.”
The University of Glasgow has appointed architects Woods Bagot to design and deliver a new building to house its School of Engineering. The new Engineering Building is part of the University’s £1 billion Campus Development Programme, which is redeveloping the 14 acre site of the former Western Infirmary in Glasgow’s West End. This marks the beginning of the next chapter in the University of Glasgow’s proud heritage of world-shaping engineering. Alongside offering innovative teaching spaces and laboratories, the vision for student learning in the new building focuses on a large, dynamic Creativity Lab. This will accommodate workshops, plus advanced visualisation and data analysis where students can develop as creative engineers, engage with industry, grow student-led engineering outreach and build teams for international engineering competitions. The building will be a living laboratory, driven by Smart Building and Smart Campus technologies, where researchers and students engage with the building’s energy and structural performance data and where new technologies can be researched and tested. Research laboratories will create collaborative interdisciplinary environments to find engineering solutions to global problems. The building will also be outward-facing, showcasing engineering at Glasgow, with facilities for industry and public engagement, and social spaces. Margaret Lucas, Professor of Ultrasonics at the University of Glasgow, who leads the project, said: “Glasgow is renowned for engineering innovation, and the discoveries made here have shaped the world around us for centuries. This is now an opportunity to change how we do engineering at the University of Glasgow, and create our future world-shaping engineering heritage. “Our vision is a building that not only supports world-class learning and teaching, but is also a collaborative and creative space, helping to drive discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship for our students, staff and wider community. “Working with the team at Woods Bagot is an exciting collaboration for us, to develop a new unique and iconic home for Engineering at the University of Glasgow.” Woods Bagot Principal Jonathan Leah said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Glasgow and its passionate and engaged group of stakeholders to provide user-centric solutions that address the Engineering Building’s needs now and well into the future.”
A new student accommodation development is due to arrive in Leeds as construction work commences on the site after funding is provided. The Refinery scheme progressed after local developer Gregory Property Group announced forward funding from Curlew. “We are pleased to have secured funding for an immediate start on site. The scheme’s design is impressive, delivering high quality accommodation for Leeds students in a prime location that connects student life to the vibrant city centre in a matter of minutes,” said Barry Gregory, Chairman of Gregory Property Group. The development is worth more than £30 million and it will include 407 beds comprising studios and bedroom clusters with terrace and garden features, along with share social hubs, a cinema, gym, games room, concierge and state-of-the-art 24-hour security. “Leeds remains a top ten university destination in the UK and with a growing student population of around 60,000 students the city needs more homes. We expect to complete the development in time for occupation from the September 2020 University term and Fresh Student Living will be managing that occupation on behalf of Curlew,” added Barry. The nine, 10 and 11-storey scheme on Bingley Street was designed by AHR Architects. Planning permission was granted for the project in November 2018, with GMI Construction Group securing a £21.5 million contract to build the development.
Södra Wood was delighted this month to sponsor the undergraduate architecture students’ timber workshop at The Cass, London Metropolitan University. The construction workshop is an annual event for the School of Architecture, taking place in February each year. Second year architecture students travel offsite to Mudchute Park and Farm, where they get to learn more about working with natural construction materials. Last year the workshop was awarded a prestigious ‘Excellence in Structural Engineering Education’ Award. This year’s timber materials were donated by Södra Wood. Jeremy English, Sales Director at Södra Wood, commented: “We’re really pleased to be able to help with this workshop. Timber is something we are passionate about – it is fast becoming the construction material of choice, enabling quick, versatile, efficient and sustainable construction. It’s brilliant to see the future generation of architects working with wood and getting first-hand experience of the many benefits that it has to offer the construction environment.” George Fereday, Senior Lecturer at The Cass, London Metropolitan University, said: “Thank you to Södra Wood for sponsoring our workshop this year, it is something the students really enjoy every year. It is a great way for the students to learn how to work with the materials and gain valuable skills needed for their future careers, and it also allows them to fully immerse themselves in working with natural materials. We are pleased to know that our materials this year have come from a really sustainable timber source.” For further information about Södra Wood please visit www.sodra.uk
A new research undertaken by the team at www.MyJobQuote.co.uk as part of an ongoing study into apprenticeships ahead of National Apprenticeship Week has revealed that 64% of Britons felt pressured to go to university by teachers whilst they were at school, and a further 41% felt pressured by their parents. More than half of Britons felt that they weren’t given the full range of options in the lead up to leaving school, yet over three quarters of those that had undertaken apprenticeships felt that they made the right choice. 2,846 people over the age of 18 were polled, 1,403 of which stated that they had gone on to complete an apprenticeship. Of the 1,443 respondents who didn’t do an apprenticeship, 30% revealed that they had been to, or were currently at, university. Of those that didn’t attend university, the most popular reasons for not doing so were ‘I was put off by the cost’ (32%), ‘I didn’t need to for the job I wanted’ (23%) and ‘I wanted to start earning money straight after school’ (21%). Initially it was found that as many as two thirds of Britons (64%) felt pressured by teachers to go to university whilst they were at school, and a further 41% said that they felt the same pressure from their parents. When questioned on their options whilst at school, it was found that the majority of Britons felt that they weren’t told what their full range of options were for when they left school (53%). In order to find out more about the experiences of the apprentices, those that had done an apprenticeship were asked a series of questions. It was found that 22% of these had dropped out of sixth form or college to undertake an apprenticeship. When asked about their choice to undertake an apprenticeship, over three quarters of respondents (77%) said that they felt that they made the right decision. Interestingly, 17% of those that had finished an apprenticeship said that they were no longer in same profession they had undertaken their apprenticeship in and a further 11% of these had changed to a different trade and been accepted on to another course. “Apprenticeships are a great way to get into a trade and learn the craft, and are a really good option for school leavers. There still seems to be a lack of information and teaching on why apprenticeships are the right option for many and a genuine alternative for going to university. Apprenticeships have received a great deal more attention recently, but more still needs to be done to teach school children about their potential options,” commented on the findings of the study Lisa Evans, spokesperson for www.MyJobQuote.co.uk.
Tecom Group has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to build the second phase of its campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). As part of the agreement that the two signed, Tecom will build a new purpose-built 50,000m² campus. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the facilities will be located opposite the city’s first custom-designed student housing community and provide an academic home for up to 2,900 students. “This innovative and iconic facility has been designed to echo our beautiful and historic Edgbaston campus, whilst providing a flexible, modern setting for our students in Dubai to obtain maximum benefit from our teaching and research expertise,” said University of Birmingham principal and vice-chancellor Professor David Eastwood. Created to encourage collaboration across all academic disciplines, the campus to be built by Tecom will feature flexible learning spaces and formal teaching spaces. It will also feature a student ‘hub’, sheltered courtyards and social spaces, a 300-seat lecture theatre, a similarly sized auditorium, three laboratories to accommodate 200 students, and seminar and tutorial rooms. “The bespoke campus, which is set to be complete in 2021, is a testament to the innovative ecosystem that is needed to meet the demands of the rapidly changing international student landscape. As our vibrant community continues to expand, we are committed to supporting our academic partners and collaborating with top academic institutions in order to fulfil global demand for quality international higher education,” added DIAC and Dubai Knowledge Park managing director Mohammad Abdullah.
A new building designed by London-based practice, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 2014, Walters & Cohen won an architectural competition to design new accommodation for Newnham College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The original brief was to design a new 75-bedroom student residence at the southern end of the campus. However, during the feasibility study an alternative option was developed that integrated new accommodation in among the existing College buildings, leaving the beautiful gardens unspoilt. The Dorothy Garrod building comprises a new entrance, a welcoming Porters’ Lodge, conference facilities, a rooftop gym, staff offices, meeting and supervision rooms, 86 generous en-suite student bedrooms, kitchen/social areas with plenty of space to cook and eat together, and a popular new café that invites students to linger, work and socialise. 19 bedrooms and two kitchens in the neighbouring Fawcett building were also refurbished, and the rooftop terrace allows Newnhamites to appreciate their beautiful College from an entirely new perspective. Working with Newnham’s project team, special interest groups, students, staff and Fellows ensured that the building meets the College’s needs and is entirely unique to them. The new frontage creates a stronger presence on Sidgwick Avenue without imposing on the historic buildings and gardens. Landscape works are integral to the design, with the building wrapping around a new courtyard garden, and carefully considered interstitial spaces improve visual and physical links between buildings. Integrating the student residence, offices, porters’ lodge and café in one building has created a stronger sense of community and forms the heart of the College. Cindy Walters, Director at Walters & Cohen Architects, said: ‘It has been a huge honour and privilege for us to work with Newnham College to deliver their bold strategic vision. Since winning the design competition four years ago, we have worked with students, administrators, College interest groups and Fellows to ensure that the new building meets the needs of the College, fits into its very unique context and delivers twenty-first-century facilities. The new Porters’ Lodge and entrance was the greatest challenge. It offers a warm welcome, connects the street to a new garden, connects the College to a new café, conference facility and offices, and contains art and artefacts that are specific to Newnham. In the new entrance we have created a space that could not be anywhere else in Oxbridge or the world.’ Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, said: “This is a building worthy of celebration, one which gives the students of Newnham College a sense of pride and aspiration. It embraces our glorious gardens, with the new en-suite bedrooms looking out over trees on every side. Our architects Walters & Cohen have designed a building at once modern and forward looking, and in sympathy with Newnham’s original Champneys buildings and gardens. The new conference centre is an exciting venture for Newnham, and our students are delighted by the stylish public café with its space for group working and relaxation.”
A project milestone has been achieved by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on its new Marshall Building. After the demolition of the existing structure at 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Mace commenced construction work on the redevelopment project. In order to improve the impact, effectiveness and appeal of private contributions to the public good, the new building will contain The Marshall Institute for Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship, founded by Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett and Sir Paul Marshall. The new building will also house the academic departments of Accounting, Finance and Management, teaching facilities, as well as sports and arts rehearsal facilities including a Sports England standard multi-purpose sports hall for use by staff and students. “This is a real milestone for the project, and we look forward to working with Mace over the next two years to turn our plans for the Marshall Building into reality. The demolition of the existing buildings has gone very well, and our success to date is a reflection of all of the hard work put into the project so far by the entire team,” said Kenneth Kinsella, Director of Capital Development for LSE. This is the second collaboration between Mace and LSE, which have previously worked on the Centre Buildings Redevelopment, due to be completed this year. “Over the last four years we have built a fantastic working relationship with LSE, first with the redevelopment of the Centre Buildings and now with the Marshall Building. They are a fantastic client, always pushing us to be more ambitious; and we are extremely pleased that they have chosen Mace to deliver the second phase of this very important project. The Marshall Building will be an iconic addition to the LSE’s campus, and we have been working closely with the architects, Grafton, to bring this ground-breaking design to life,” added Terry Spraggett, Managing Director of Public Sector Construction for Mace. The Marshall Building project is expected to be completed in 2021.
