Vine Court, the University’s £45m city centre student accommodation has been awarded a four star campus rating by Visit Britain.
An inspection report praised the high quality of the accommodation and onsite facilities, stating it ‘delights and meets expectation.’
Director of Residential, Sport and Commercial Services, Catherine Anderson, said: “We’re thrilled to be awarded a four star rating. The design specification was aimed at three star rating, so this is a real achievement.”
Forefront
Vine Court is at the forefront of sustainable residential development in the higher education sector and the University’s investment in its student accommodation ensures that Liverpool is able to offer a first-rate student experience which matches the excellence of its teaching.
The complex features 732 en-suite standard rooms and 17 Penthouse apartments, a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, launderette and pharmacy. Penthouse apartments are available to rent for University visitors and academics. For details see: http://www.liv.ac.uk/accommodation/halls/on-campus-accommodation/vine-court/.
Vine Court student bedroom
From what I have heard about Vine Court from current residents, and from doing a little research, it does not seem a valid option for university student accommodation. The cheapest self-catered room for the shortest contract still costs more than the average student loan, far outside the price range of all but the wealthiest students. I have no doubt that Vine Court is a fantastic place to live, with excellent facilities, but it strikes me as a waste of money. I would be very suprised if more than half the rooms are filled, and more and more students will start to turn to private landlords rather than opting for university owned properties.
Dear Elliot
Thank you for your comment. Vine Court is a very valid option for our students and meets the need for quality ensuite accommodation that has long been requested by our students and those prospective students who have rejected a University offer due to the lack of this choice in our accommodation previously. Vine Court is currently full and when we opened up the transfer list in November Vine Court was oversubscribed and had a waiting list. The self catered accommodation is very good value for money and the rent is set just below the market rate for similar accommodation in the private sector. Equally the catered accommodation is excellent value for money. The Residential Strategy is committed to offering a range of accommodation to suit all students’ pockets and needs. In addition to Vine Court we also have range of other accommodation available to ensure we meet that objective.
Best wishes
Catherine Anderson
Director of Residential, Sport and Commercial Services
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for replying to Elliot. With the Vine Court prices seemingly premium to off-campus alternatives (£5,314k for a 41 week, self-catered single), do you think that there’s a risk poorer students will be priced out of on-campus living? Is this fair?
Dear WhatsMyPoint
Vine Court is a premium product but it is priced competitively in comparison with the market. It is important to compare like with like particularly in relation to the number of weeks, size of room, and facilities included in the price. In addition we provide a high standard of pastoral care to our students in comparison with the private sector, which is an important consideration when our prime provision is for first year undergraduates, international students and postgraduates.
In conclusion I believe Vine Court is excellent value for money and meets the need expressed by a large group of applicants for a quality ensuite offer, proven by the current waiting list.
I don’t believe poorer students are priced out of on-campus living as the Residential Strategy is committed to providing a range of options and prices. Currently we have accommodation available on-campus for £3440 for 40 weeks, this rent is in the lower quartile for such accommodation in Liverpool City Centre.
I believe it is fair to offer students a choice to meet their accommodation needs.
Best wishes
Catherine Anderson
Director of RSCS