University accommodation: 4 top tips for students from Collegiate AC

University accommodation: 4 top tips for students from Collegiate AC

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom ,
  • Book early to avoid disappointment
  • Make location your top priority
  • Think through the amenities that are most important to you
  • Work out which lifestyle services you plan to use

If you’re heading off to university this September, there’s plenty to think about. Not only will you have the fun of making new friends and discovering your new city, chances are you’ll be living independently for the first time. If that’s the case, you’ll almost certainly have questions about student housing.

 

“We find that many students are anxious about where they’re going to live and when and how to book their accommodation. That’s why we’ve made the booking process so simple on the Collegiate website – students can view our properties at their leisure, then book online to ensure they have the accommodation that they want.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

  1. The first thing to consider is how early to book.

According to UCAS, 48% of students book their accommodation before August. This means that you need to plan ahead and book early in order to have a decent choice of accommodation.

The UK has a shortage of university accommodation (2.3 students per available bed, according to Cushman and Wakefield), so don’t leave arranging your new home to the last minute, or you might end up living an awfully long way away from both the university and your fellow students.

 

  1. Location is the next thing to consider.

Do you want to be close to the university or close to the city centre? Many newly built student accommodation schemes offer accommodation that ticks both of these boxes, so shop around until you find a location that meets all of your needs.

Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, is located within 10 minutes of the city centre and the university’s Durham city location, so whether you want to study, shop or go out for dinner, everything you need is within easy reach.

 

  1. Next, consider the facilities that you would like to have access to.

 

“Purpose built student accommodation gets better every year, so if an onsite gym or private cinema is important to you then opt for accommodation that has opened in the last two or three years. Communal features are becoming more and more important and students are reaping the rewards of this trend.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

At Collegiate’s Plummer House in Newcastle, for example, residents not only have their own en-suite apartments, but a wide range of luxurious amenities. There’s a games room, club lounge and bar for relaxing, a study room for hitting the books, an on-site cool room and concierge so that you can have your shopping delivered while you’re out at lectures, an on-site cinema for enjoying evenings in with friends and a private gym for keeping in shape.

 

  1. It’s also important to think about what you plan to take with you to uni.

 

Aside from clothes, toiletries and books, do you want the hassle of packing up pots and pans, plates, cups, bedding, towels and a toilet brush? No? Then make sure you opt for an accommodation provider that offers lifestyle services that provide these kind of items.

Consider too how you plan to cook and care for yourself. If you plan to live off takeaways, then kitchen facilities probably won’t matter too much, but if greasy meals day after day aren’t your style then make sure you opt for an apartment that includes a decent kitchen area, along with a breakfast bar or table where you can eat in comfort.

 

Then there’s the cleaning. Mum and Dad won’t be around to vacuum your floor or scrub your toilet, so if you don’t fancy taking on those tasks yourself, it’s best to find out what kind of cleaning services are available at your chosen accommodation. Many providers offer this as another of their lifestyle services. Find out in advance what’s available so you know how many dusters you need to pack.

“Starting university is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter, so make sure you organise your accommodation well in advance and have all of the features that you need. That way, you can arrive to the perfect home and focus on meeting new people and getting stuck into your studies, feeling happy and secure in your fabulous new accommodation.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

The race is on as 73% of students seek accommodation before even accepting UCAS offers

The race is on as 73% of students seek accommodation before even accepting UCAS offers

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • 73% of students research accommodation before accepting a university offer (UCAS)
  • Competition is increasing – 2016 saw 2.3 students per available bed, up from 2.1 in 2015 (Cushman & Wakefield)
  • Demand is so high that students who don’t book early miss out on the best facilities (Collegiate AC)
  • 48% of students book their university accommodation before August (UCAS)

 

May and June will see A-level students across the country racing to fit in last minute revision and make sure they know everything they need to in order to sit their exams. Those looking to go on to university will already have applied to their preferred institutions, and many will already have received conditional offers. Others can expect to receive their offers over the coming days and weeks, with A-level results day scheduled for 17 August.

 

However, the days of leaving it until then to search for university accommodation are long gone. According to the just-published Accommodation Survey 2016 from UCAS, 73% of students now research available accommodation before accepting an offer from a university.

 

22% even start researching before they have submitted their UCAS application. Meanwhile, a staggering 48% book their accommodation before August.

 

“Demand is so strong for university accommodation in the UK that students are having to book earlier and earlier in order to secure their home of choice. Research has shown that there were 2.3 students per available bed in 2016. Even with purpose built student accommodation springing up around the UK, demand continues to outstrip supply. Students looking to live in the newest accommodation with the best facilities can’t afford to wait until they have their A-level results.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

Figures from UCAS show that the increased range of accommodation on offer, thanks to significant investment in purpose built student accommodation over the past few years, has meant that students now view a much larger number of properties than they did just two years ago.

 

In 2014, 67% of students viewed (either online or in person) between two and five properties. That figure dropped to 44% in 2016. Meanwhile, those viewing between six and ten properties rose from 14% in 2014 to 24% in 2016.

 

Viewing pictures online was the most popular method of viewing a property, with 58% of students researching their accommodation options in this way.

 

With this in mind, many leading student accommodation providers include a large number of high quality images on their websites, so that potential residents can get a feel for the property.

 

Students curious about Collegiate AC’s new Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, can flick through images of the site’s en-suite apartments (including bedrooms and kitchens), glass-walled Sky Lounge, rooftop terrace, gym, cinema, dinner party room, common room and sauna.

 

“We aim to share as many visual elements of the property as possible online, to help students make informed choices about where they would like to live. While we also talk about the interior design elements of our properties and the vision behind their look and feel, it is the images that many students are most interested in – they want to see the site and be able to picture themselves living and studying there.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

The first-rate facilities on offer at Collegiate’s range of accommodation around the UK mean that apartments get booked up very fast. At Plummer House in Newcastle, it’s the cinema, gym, games area and club lounge that tend to turn heads, while those viewing Halsmere Studios in London are often delighted at the thought of having a tranquil garden with barbecue area in an optimum South London location.

 

The breadth of facilities on offer means that students have to leave plenty of time for researching their accommodation options. This is another reason why many choose to get doing so out of the way before they have to focus entirely on their exams.

 

“Your choice of accommodation can impact your entire university experience. That’s why it’s key to begin your research early and book a property that offers the ultimate lifestyle experience. Booking early can shape the entire course of your time at uni.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

 

For more information and to book accommodation, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Expectations rocket as university students prepared to pay more for their accommodation

Expectations rocket as university students prepared to pay more for their accommodation

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Proportion of students paying higher rents has shot up (UCAS)
  • Students who pay more, demand more (Collegiate AC)
  • 88% of students are happy in their accommodation (UCAS)
  • Durham’s Ernest Place, with sauna, gym, cinema and rooftop bar, highlights new standards being set (Collegiate AC)

 

Newly published data from UCAS has shown that 88% of the UK’s students are happy in their accommodation. That’s despite rising rent costs. In fact, it may well be directly because of rising rent costs.

 

“The UCAS figures show that student rents have been rising over the past couple of years, but that’s because there are now a wider range of superior accommodation options available to those at university. Older style accommodation does still exist, but the satisfaction and rent data seems to indicate that students are prepared to pay more but also demand more from higher priced accommodation.”

 

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

 

The UCAS data reveals that the vast majority of students living in first year accommodation now pay between £401 and £600 per calendar month in rent. The Accommodation Survey 2016 reports that:

 

“In general, respondents paying lower rent have declined… whilst the higher costs of rent are on the rise.”

 

The evolution of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), which is attracting massive investment in the UK right now (£3.1 billion in 2016, according to Knight Frank), means that students’ choices have improved considerably over the past few years when it comes what they can expect from their accommodation.

 

The chandeliers, huge ferns and stylish, comfortable armchairs of the common room at opulent Plummer House in Newcastle highlight how sophisticated student residences have become.

 

More reminiscent of a swanky, boutique hotel than a hall of residence, the spacious, split-level studio apartments, with their bright, contemporary interiors and high end furnishings are better than many young working professionals can expect.

 

Then there are the on-site facilities – students can access their own club lounge and bar, private cinema, gym and games area, as well as a dedicated study room designed to provide a peaceful environment for academic pursuits.

 

When it comes to choosing their accommodation, students ranked location, cost and quality as the top three ‘very important’ factors, at 67%, 63% and 52% respectively, according to UCAS.

 

Location is important both in terms of access to the university, but also to the amenities of their local city. Ernest Place in Durham, for example, which is due to open to residents in September 2017, allows residents to access both the city centre and the university’s Durham city location in just 10 minutes.

 

Ernest Place is also an excellent example of how the student accommodation sector continues to evolve. The first Collegiate Prestige Collection site, it features a stunning sauna, glass-walled Sky Lounge with contemporary rooftop terrace, private fitness centre, cinema, dinner party room, concierge service and plenty of dedicated study zones. The accommodation has been beautifully interior designed to create an environment that is at once stunningly contemporary yet homely and warm. All from just £125 per week.

 

With accommodation evolving to this degree, it’s no wonder that students are prepared to pay more for their university digs and still report an incredibly high level of satisfaction with living there.

 

Ernest Place will be welcoming the first student residents this September. For more information and to book this and other Collegiate sites, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Lisbon’s aesthetic inspires design of the city’s latest luxury student accommodation

Lisbon’s aesthetic inspires design of the city’s latest luxury student accommodation

by Sophie Evans World
  • Communal areas show industrial elements and concrete walls inspired by Lisbon’s historic LX Factory (Design Command)
  • Using warm, metallic tones accents the welcoming feeling associated with Collegiate AC residences (Design Command)
  • We felt partnering with a local artist would instill a strong sense of local heritage within Collegiate Marquês de Pombal (Collegiate AC)

 

Now expanding their exclusive student experience to Europe, Collegiate AC’s Collegiate Marquês de Pombal is set to welcome students as soon as this September.

 

Surpassing any standard seen before in the city of Lisbon, Collegiate Marquês de Pombal will provide students with a private fitness suite and swimming pool, a 24 hour concierge service and an on-site cinema, to name only a few of the luxury facilities accessible to residents.

 

With the interior design of the accommodation inextricably linked to the building’s atmosphere and ultimate comfort, we spoke with Collegiate AC’s design team from Design Command to find out what inspired this unique spectacle;

 

“Lisbon is traditionally decorated with blue and white, as you can see in the many ceramic tiles on the buildings’ facade. We wanted this tradition to be reflected in our scheme so for example we added a touch of blue to the bedrooms, warmed up with brown, brass and copper elements.

 

“Communal areas show more industrial elements and concrete walls: the inspiration for this comes from the historic LX Factory in Lisbon, which our team just love! Again our goal was to accent the warm, welcoming feeling that is typical of Collegiate AC residences. We used warm metal tones like copper and brass, soft furnishing, rugs and a new entry for us: foliage! Which is also our interpretation of the Greenery Pantone colour of the year as it brings the same fresh feeling.

 

“We chose to reflect the feel and calming effect of nature through the use of native Portuguese planting to create a relaxed and inspirational environment.  This, coupled with the extensive natural light source make this a truly amazing space to live in.”

 

Committed to incorporating the building’s heritage within the design, many aspects have involved the work of talented Lisbon locals.

 

“The street art set to be featured in the property was commissioned by a local artist. We felt partnering with a local artist would instill a strong sense of local heritage within Collegiate Marquês de Pombal.  We did provide a vague brief but we also want him to follow his own inspiration so the very final result will partly be a surprise for us all.

 

“We are still liaising with a local furnishings company which is helping us a lot. What we try to achieve is a mixture of high end and industrial chic; and obviously, furniture plays a key role in the look and feel of luxurious living spaces.”

 

Part of Collegiate AC’s Prestige Collection and in keeping with the company’s commitment to ‘Superior Living’, the Collegiate Marquês de Pombal will provide students with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as an exclusive club lounge, well designed private and group study areas and even a stylish dinner party room.

 

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com. 

EXCLUSIVE: British students outnumber Chinese students in UK PBSA sites for the first time

EXCLUSIVE: British students outnumber Chinese students in UK PBSA sites for the first time

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Exclusive data from leading student accommodation operator reveals top 5 resident nationalities
  • British students lead the way for the first time, with Chinese students following close behind (Collegiate AC)
  • “More and more British students actively seek out higher quality living accommodation for their university years” (CEO, Collegiate AC)

Collegiate AC is leading the way in luxury purpose built student accommodation in the UK. New data reveals the demographics of their residents and exactly who is enjoying the superb facilities that the operator provides.

With first class sites located in 23 towns and cities across the UK, Collegiate AC is well established and according to new data collected by the company, UK residents, for the first time, are the number one occupants.

In the 2016/17 academic year 25% of all Collegiate AC student residents are British with Chinese and Thai students in second and third position respectively.

In comparison to Collegiate’s 2015 student nationality statistics, there has been a notable increase in British residents, from 23% to 26%.

Greek students have interestingly entered the top 5 for the first time in 2016/17, accounting for 3% of all Collegiate residents.

The top 5 resident nationalities at Collegiate AC for 2016/17 are as follows:

  1. British – 25.77%
  2. Chinese – 25.62%
  3. Thai – 4.08%
  4. Greek – 3.44%
  5. Malaysian – 3.41%

  “Collegiate’s doors are open to students of every nationality and we are committed to ensuring that each and every student feels at home. For many years, Chinese students have been our most prolific residents but this is now changing as more and more British students actively seek out higher quality living accommodation for their university years.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC

 

A perfect example of a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Collegiate AC, is the site in Newcastle. Plummer House is part of the Fusion Collection, this offers breath-taking facilities at the heart of the city such as a private on-site cinema, gym, games room and VIP bar.

From £140 per week, the fantastic location is just 10-minute walk from Newcastle University and the exclusive design-led apartments, with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout, are thriving with likeminded students.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

Collegiate AC continue 2017 expansion launching new division with Rob Clothier at the helm

Collegiate AC continue 2017 expansion launching new division with Rob Clothier at the helm

by Sophie Evans World

With Collegiate AC’s extensive expansion plans set for Europe in 2017, the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK has announced the appointment of Rob Clothier as Development Director.

Set to manage a newly launched division, Acquisitions & Development Management, we spoke with Rob to discuss his role and the future for Collegiate AC;

 

What does your new role entail?  

 

“As part of our continued strategic expansion, Collegiate AC have launched a brand new division; Collegiate Acquisitions & Development Management. Our core objectives will be on supporting our clients through the following stages of new projects to ensure they achieve the Collegiate AC standards for consumer quality, branding and investment sustainability;

 

  1. Evaluation, appraisal and acquisition
  2. Layout, room mix, detailed design and specification
  3. Tendering support, branding and construction phases

 

The team will focus on delivering class-leading stock for our clients and our students, as we enter into longer and stronger partnerships.”

 

 

What is it about this new role that excites you?

 

“Collegiate AC have an outstanding reputation for the delivery and operation of superior student accommodation, whilst delivering the best value for their clients and their students. Working with one of the markets leading providers, establishing an acquisition and development management team – providing more support to a strategic number of clients and investors – and being part of a successful team to grow this incredibly strong brand, both here in the UK and overseas – is very exciting indeed.”

 

 

How does your experience from previous positions prepare you for this role?

 

“I have over 16 years’ experience in the Property / Construction industry.  Starting as QS with a main contractor, responsible for ensuring a high-quality build, within budget and to programme – provided me with essential delivery experience.

 

Within the last 8 years, I have worked for the property development arm of Bouygues UK and specifically their student accommodation brand Uliving, developing over 5,000 purpose built student accommodation beds across the country. This role gave me vital experience in structuring development transactions from the very outset, working with universities and landowners to meet their objectives in full.

 

The combination of roles allowed me to secure a skill set which completes the development cycle, from acquisition through to delivery.”

 

What do you see as being the greatest challenges?

 

“The student accommodation sector is a highly competitive one. Ensuring that we listen to the needs of our students, clients and investors in this time of expansion, whilst continuing to focus on the Collegiate AC brand principals and core values, will be critical in maintaining success and achieving our business plan going forward.”

 

What can the industry expect from Collegiate in 2017?

 

“From a project perspective – a continued focus on the UK market, ensuring that all projects due for completion in time for the start of the 2017 / 2018 academic year, are handed over to the operational team successfully. In addition to this, we are very excited to have launched the first of our European schemes, Collegiate Marquês Pombal, a flagship project in Lisbon, also due for completion later this year.

 

The Acquisition and Development team will be strengthening our activity in the UK and Europe, continuing to work with key clients and investors. Excitingly other transactions across the continent are due for financial close throughout the calendar year.”

 

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Leading luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC heads to the mainland with launch of first European project

Leading luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC heads to the mainland with launch of first European project

by Charly Portugal United Kingdom
  • Opportunity for specialist student accommodation managers to expand portfolios in Europe (Savills)
  • Collegiate AC announce first European residence in Lisbon, Portugal that serves as an idyllic landscape for thousands of students every year
  • Collegiate Conde Lisboa will be part of Collegiate AC’s Prestige Collection with residents benefitting from a private fitness suite, a 24 hour concierge service, on-site cinema and even a swimming pool (Collegiate AC)

According to Savills World Student Housing Report 2016/17 the PBSA sector in mainland Europe is growing significantly. It highlights that ‘for a globally mobile student population, secure, well managed, quality accommodation from a trusted provider has strong appeal to those unfamiliar with local housing markets.’

However, an absence of specialist student accommodation managers is holding the sector back, creating an opportunity for existing operators to expand their portfolios on the continent. And one potential market, desperate for development, is Portugal with its capital city as a prime candidate.

Naming Lisbon in the top three student cities in Portugal, the Savills report emphasised that the country’s student housing sector is still relatively undeveloped with major universities only providing a small amount of their own accommodation.

After successful expansion across the UK, and keen to lead an exciting era of development in Lisbon’s student accommodation market, Collegiate AC have announced their first European project. Collegiate Conde Lisboa will be part of Collegiate AC’s Prestige Collection with residents benefitting from a private fitness suite and swimming pool, a 24 hour concierge service and an on-site cinema.

Confident in the growing PBSA market throughout Mainland Europe and passionate about answering the increasing demand for student housing in Lisbon, Collegiate AC are delighted to launch this first-class property in the city.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC, is excited to be welcoming students to the new residence this September. He comments,

“Lisbon has a unique beauty and internationally acclaimed architecture that serves as an idyllic landscape for thousands of students every year. The Universidade de Lisboa is one of the major institutions of Higher Education in Europe and one of the leading universities in the country.

“Collegiate Conde Lisboa will provide domestic and international students with a unique living experience, enabling them to make the most of their university careers both studiously and socially. The lifestyle-led apartments and social spaces have been carefully designed to create an environment where students can feel safe and looked after.”

In keeping with Collegiate AC’s commitment to ‘Superior Living’, the Collegiate Conde Lisboa will provide students with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as an exclusive club lounge, well designed private and group study areas and even a stylish dinner party room.

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

The lights are always on at Collegiate AC

The lights are always on at Collegiate AC

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Collegiate AC launch 24/7 concierge service paralleling the very best hotels
  • Concierge teams take grocery deliveries, supply free popcorn and arrange taster sessions from local restaurants
  • “With staff on call when students need them most, the Collegiate 24/7 concierges set us apart from our competitors” (Collegiate AC) 

Heading off to university is a once in a lifetime opportunity and for many students it means living independently for the first time without Mum and Dad on hand to help with those everyday life tasks.Those looking for that ‘helping hand’ and extra level of support can now turn to Collegiate AC accommodation and its brand new 24/7 concierge service.

Committed to ‘superior living’, Collegiate AC sites across the UK boast amazing facilities with extra sparkle and a welcoming and friendly concierge team on hand to make students feel right at home.

The monotonous chore of food shopping is made a lot easier when the concierge team are available 24 hours a day to sign and collect your online ordered food. Not only will the concierge team take delivery but sites such as Nova in Nottingham, Eclipse in Cardiff and Plummer House in Newcastle all feature on-site cold rooms in which the food deliveries are stored until residents can collect them.

The Collegiate concierge teams are also on hand to supply the food and drink needs of student life. With complimentary popcorn – essential to fully enjoying the latest Netflix installation on the large HD projector screen – in the private cinema rooms on site.

The team will arrange private events such as cocktails evenings and taster sessions from the local restaurants, all in the comfort of the development. With state-of-the-art kitchens, private dinner party rooms, luxurious lounges and games booths, there is a deluxe space on-site with an event to match.

“The launch of our 24-hour on-site concierge service will ensure that Collegiate residences feel safe, secure and as homely as possible for those living away from their families. With staff on call when students need them most, the Collegiate 24/7 concierges set us apart from our competitors. When locked out or simply in need of a chat, the team are here to help and are chosen for their kind and thorough nature making Collegiate the place to call home.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

The residence that offer this brand new 5* conscierge service also include Fusion Tower in Bristol, Ernest Place in Durham, Eclipse in Cardiff and Pennine House in Leeds. One of the many Collegiate AC residence featuring the new concierge service is Crown House in Sheffield. The brand new Crown House raises the bar for student accommodation, ushering in a new standard of sophistication never before seen in the UK.

This prime position student property is set in lively West Bar, close to the heart of Sheffield’s urban centre and is a short stroll to both university campuses. It is part of the Prestige Collection that mix prestigious studios with inspired social spaces, Crown House brings more to student life.

From £150 per week, it’s stunning facilities include an on-site private fitness suite, private dinner party room, BBQ and alfresco dining area, private cinema room, gaming booths, flexible lounge area and state-of-the-art study zones. With a 24/7 concierge team and 300mb/s ultra fast Wi-Fi it really is the 21st Century student experience.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

Purpose-built student accommodation welcomed by Exeter Council as universities become reliant on accommodation providers for expansion

Purpose-built student accommodation welcomed by Exeter Council as universities become reliant on accommodation providers for expansion

by Charly United Kingdom

Growing student population

During the last academic year, 2015/16, Exeter University had 17,425 students at an undergraduate level. A 7% increase from the year before and a significant 24% increase just 5 years previous. With the student population rising at such speed, the city has had to adapt in order to house its newest residents.


PBSA welcomed by local councils

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has become an integral part of this process. Karime Hassan, the chief executive of Exeter City Council, recently explained how PBSA is an area which is defining the city. He explained that,

“The council currently has a policy of encouraging PBSA for a variety of reasons. It means more money for the community, frees up more alternative accommodation for families, helps manage the need for student parking and often turn properties that have little chance of alternative regeneration see new life.”


University expansion reliant on PBSA

Exeter University has now joined forces with nearby Falmouth University which is applying to raise the student cap from its present 5,000 enrolled students – a condition attached when the Penryn campus was developed in 2009 – to 7,500 students by 2025.

Peter Cox of Falmouth University described the plan as a “stepped approach” which would only allow more students once accommodation was available for them.

However, having met to discuss the proposal just last week, Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee have deferred a decision until additional details are provided. Councillor Webber confirmed that “further information on purpose built accommodation figures to improve the situation in Falmouth” would be required before anything is finalised, highlighting its importance in today’s student accommodation sector.


PBSA to become the primary accommodation choice

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC, which already operates PBSA sites in Exeter, comments,

“2017 will see PBSA continue to flourish, becoming the primary accommodation choice in a growing number of UK university towns and cities. And the city of Exeter is leading the way by embracing this change and answering the growing demand from both the student population and local councils.

“With three premier sites in the city already, and another new residence to be announced imminently, Collegiate AC are proud to lead the way in such a transformation and look forward to welcoming Exeter’s undergrads to the superior student lifestyle our properties provide.”


What PBSA is available in Exeter?

Hot off the press is Collegiate AC’s newest addition to its PBSA offerings in Exeter, Clifton Place. A community comprised of six bedroom townhouses, two and three bedroom apartments and individual studios. With prices starting from £153 a week, residents will have access to a communal gym, private cinema room, and a student lounge and games room. Bookings will be available soon for September 2017.

An existing, and extremely popular, residence in Exeter is Picturehouse Apartments. Just a five-minute walk from Exeter city centre, Picturehouse Apartments are ideal for both individuals and friends. With CCTV, secure electronic entry, on-site concierge and 24-hour on-call support, these secure properties are both beautiful and fully functional.

From £122 a week, and with a range of contemporary studio, two, three and five bed apartments, Picturehouse also offers additional facilities that include a private on-site gym, games and reading rooms, in-house cinema and free high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi.

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Collegiate AC aid Durham University’s Sustainable Travel Plan with new student bus service

Collegiate AC aid Durham University’s Sustainable Travel Plan with new student bus service

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Durham University committed to promoting use of sustainable modes of travel
  • University student bus service to encompass Ernest Place, Collegiate AC’s new Durham residence
  • “I’m excited to work with the University to help it achieve its environmental goals“ (Collegiate AC)

Protecting the environment is a key focus for all and many higher education institutions are supporting the cause with green schemes.

Durham University’s Environment Team, known as ‘Greenspace’, is one such organisation that promotes and coordinates environmental initiatives.

Greenspace’s latest scheme, the Sustainable Travel Plan (STP), underlines the University’s commitment to reduce the use of private cars, to utilise existing facilities in order to meet travel demands and to promote the use of more sustainable modes of travel.

As part of this STP, a new cross city bus service will be launched in 2017, linking all colleges and academic departments from July. Working alongside Collegiate AC, the leading provider of luxury student accommodation in the UK, the service will enable students and staff to travel from their accommodation to the University, with the aim of reducing the number of cars.

Starting its route at Collegiate AC’s newest Durham residence, Ernest Place, the bus will travel along Sunderland Road, Claypath and New Elvet stopping near Hild Bede College, The Market Place, Elvet Riverside, Science Site and turning around at Josephine Butler College. This will deliver residents of Ernest Place to the Science site in around 9 minutes and will be open to all staff and students as well as the general public. It is due to start service in July this year.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to participate in one of the University’s green schemes and believes the new bus service will benefit students, staff and the local environment. He explains,

“Collegiate AC is dedicated to providing students with the highest level of service, alongside exceptional accommodation facilities, and residents of Ernest Place will now have the opportunity to travel from home to campus and back again on the new bus route. We have been working with our local partners BillFreeHomes in order to get the right route and the right operator, we have partnered with Scarlett Band who also run the council’s Park and Ride services.”

“With the intention of expanding their green strategy, the University is confident this bus route will become a positive addition to their STP. I’m excited to work with the University to help it achieve its environmental goals and look forward to being a part of this latest scheme.”

Set in the heart of Gilesgate, Ernest Place is just 10 minutes away from Durham’s vibrant centre. Boasting groundbreaking features throughout such as a private sauna, glass walled sky lounge and resident’s fitness suite, this exclusive complex of 5 and 6 bed apartments and individual studios will ensure your university experience is an unforgettable one.

From £125 per week residents benefit from 24 hour concierge, can work in the dedicated contemporary study areas, unwind and sip a cocktail on the roof terrace while over-looking the city, or host their very own dinner party in the beautifully designed dinner party room.

To get away from it all residents can simply drift away in a luxurious bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room, stream the latest shows on their own 32” flat screen TV, or whip up a feast in their very own kitchen, complete with Corian worktop. A brand new building inside and out, Ernest Place is reserved for those who accept only the best.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.