Student residences
'You said', 'We did'
In response to the feedback we have received from the Student Accommodation Survey, we have made the following improvements:
- You said that you wanted more availability and better communication from reception...
- We have revised reception signage to better communicate appropriate information.
- We are implementing a single phone number for students, which will enable appropriate routing of calls.
- We have conducted briefings with reception staff, and are continuing ongoing training of staff.
- You said that you were unsure of where the Student Accommodation Services office was located...
- We've created new signage for Student Accommodation Services and additional accommodation signage for use during arrivals week.
- We now include a link to an interactive map displaying the location of our office in all our correspondence with students.
- You are reading this on our newly designed website, which includes an interactive map displaying the location of our office.
- You said that you were not entirely satisfied with the kitchens and bathrooms in residences...
- We have conducted a follow-up survey regarding kitchens and bathrooms to identify specific issues.
- You said that you wanted more bike storage at St Salvator's Hall...
- We installed new bike storage in August 2011.
- You said you wanted improvements to laundry facilities...
- We have placed a new washing machine in St Regulus Hall.
- We introduced 'laundry view' for all residences in September 2011. The system will allow students to view the availability of washing machines online, and follow the progress of their laundry cycles.
- We have explored the use of laundry baskets in residences, and we have introduced them in McIntosh Hall, St Regulus Hall and St Salvator's Hall. Where space hasn't permitted the placement of laundry baskets, we will be exploring the possibility for additional storage space.
- We will assess the decor of the laundry facilities in all residences.
- We will be trialing a card payment system in DRA, Fife Park and Albany Park over the coming year, which if successful will be rolled out to other residences.
- You said you were unhappy with the application process and the time it takes...
- We are making improvements to the Accommodation website to make sure the processes and the information are very clear.
- We have recently employed a Business Analyst to look at the business processes and ensure they are streamlined and more efficient.
- We are implementing an upgraded Student Accommodation allocation computer system which will make the application process much quicker and more efficient.
- We have extended the deadline for entrant Undergraduates to apply for accommodation from the 31st May to the 30th June.
- Student Accommodation Services have provided ambassador training, produced postgraduate and undergraduate application leaflets and are now running an information stall at all future open days to enhance understanding of the application process.
- We have arranged a professional photo shoot of the residences to improve our publicity material and accommodation website enabling students to make more informed application choices.
- All future applications for accommodation will now be fully completed online so there is no longer any need to complete word documents and email them to Student Accommodation Services.
- We have upgraded the Student Accommodation management system and can now allocate applications at least ten times quicker, as a result we will be able to give you clearer information on exactly when you will be notified of your accommodation offer and Student Accommodation Services staff will have more time to respond to individual enquires.
- We have implemented an online e-induction process that will inform you of regulations and guidelines, also part of the e-induction process allows you to select an arrival slot which, should result in an improved arrivals experience.
- You said that you wanted improvements in the quality of the food served at mealtimes¿
- We have listened to your feedback and we have planned a two day training session in January 2013 with the chefs in the halls, which will be carried out by Elmwood College and will feature training on areas such as production of main meals within the 3 week menu cycle, creating sauces, innovative use of seasonal produce and new and creative salad bar dishes.
- We will employing mystery shoppers to visit meal services in the catered halls and give independent feedback on their findings and take any appropriate actions.
- You said that you wanted a later time for Breakfast service, particularly at the weekend¿
- We will be sending out a supplementary question in the New Year asking students if they would like a later breakfast service at the weekend in particular and if so, what the preferred times of this service would be. From the results of this question we will decide if and when the service times should be moved to.
- You said that you wanted improvements in the catering service in your hall¿.
- We will be producing an individual ‘you said we did’ action plan for each hall, which will list actions to address the comments from each individuals halls feedback from the 2013 survey and once produced will be displayed on the website.
- We will employing mystery shoppers to visit meal services in the catered halls and give independent feedback on their findings and take any appropriate actions.