2 August 2013 12:16

Lancaster University has earned the title of the ‘best university halls’ for the fourth year running in the National Student Housing Survey.

The University also gained other awards and shortlistings in the annual survey of students in higher education across the UK, conducted by independent experts Red Brick Research.

The award for ‘Best Learning Environment’ went to Grizedale Townhouses, a title the development took two years ago, only to be pipped at the post last year by Fylde College, which, this year, is shortlisted in the same category.

Lancaster University held onto the International Student Accommodation Quality Mark, which recognises organisations achieving at least a 90% satisfaction rate among international students.

Lancaster is one of only eight holders of this Quality Mark, including private sector operators.

There were shortlistings for Lancaster University in the categories for best customer service, individual accommodation (Fylde College Residences and Grizedale Townhouses), student broadband, booking experience, moving-in experience and best environmental management.

The survey measures satisfaction levels in all types of accommodation and allows participating institutions to measure their performance against national and regional benchmarks.

The 2013 survey attracted more than 20,000 responses from more than 190 universities and colleges across the UK.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Colleges and the Student Experience Amanda Chetwynd said: “Congratulations to everyone for their part in ensuring our accommodation is the very best. “

The winners were recently announced in London.

Andrew Gibson, the Marketing and Communications Manager for Lancaster University Colleges and Student Life, said: “The 2013 win makes it four years running for us, which is pretty good going.

“In the past decade most of our accommodation has been newly developed, rebuilt or fully refurbished to form the diverse residential estate our students enjoy today, and their continued endorsement is extremely gratifying.

“We will continue to build on the detailed feedback we get from the survey to enhance the experience even further.”