Tag Archives: Halls of Residence

Reminder: Importance of fire safety

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Following a fire in our Lyme Regis Halls of Residence last week, you’re reminded that fire safety procedures have been put in place for the safety of you and those you live and study with. They should be observed at all times.

If you hear a fire alarm, exit the building calmly and swiftly. A fire alarm is only raised for a specific reason: tests (to ensure you’re prepared), risk of a fire hazard or a fire. Each alarm should be treated as a real fire.

At all other times, fire doors should remain closed and fire exits should be kept clear. Please do not tamper with, move or cover any fire equipment including: extinguishers, smoke sensors and alarms. Fire procedures are clearly displayed in all buildings related to Bournemouth University so please familiarise yourself with them, as well as the nearest exits and muster points.

The incident at Lyme Regis House was dealt with by the Fire and Rescue Service. There were no injuries and damage was limited to one room. The pictures below show how quickly a fire can spread and how much damage can be caused – so think about how you can prevent fires in your own room and remain vigilant of any potential fire hazards. In this case, the fire door prevented the spread of the fire to other rooms in the flat and building, and the alarm was raised due to the smoke sensor working – tampering with these mechanisms can cause the spread of fire and could lead to prosecution.

If you have any questions about our fire procedures, or would like more information about fire safety, please visit the Fire Safety pages of the Student Portal.

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The changing face of student digs on BBC Radio Solent

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Around 12,000 first year students will be arriving at universities across the South over the next week – with many staying in Halls of Residence.

BBC Radio Solent’s breakfast show looked at how ‘student digs’ had changed and improved over recent years, and reporter Jo Palmer visited BU’s recently refurbished Cranborne House Halls of Residence.

The Halls have undergone an £8.3 million transformation, with all of the flats being completely remodelled, the creation of a common room and outside seating area and even wireless technology to allow students to see if the washing machines are free from the comfort of their own bedroom.

Jo reported live from Cranborne throughout Julian Clegg’s breakfast show and spoke to BU’s Residential Services Manager Richard Search.

“I think the vast majority [of student accommodation] have improved considerably over the last ten or fifteen years,” Richard said.

“I think the time’s gone now when you could get away with the charity shop furniture and the old 1950s-style carpet. I think it’s got to be a little bit more modern, a bit more minimalistic.

“There’s an element of supply and demand here – I think students are demanding more, and if you are a landlord then you need to improve your premises to get them let.”

He added that he didn’t think students were missing out on ‘character building’ by going into more luxurious accommodation.

“Times have changed and I think perhaps modern students have quite a lot of other things they have to worry about without worrying about things like that.”

BU has built six new Halls of Residences from 2005 to 2012 in the Bournemouth and Poole area, and Richard told Julian that students could typically expect their own bathroom.

“Our surveys of students tell us that en-suite is the first thing that they look for in their accommodation.

“So you’ll find that the vast majority, if not all, of new buildings will have en-suite facilities.”

Listen to the feature in full on BBC Radio Solent (available for seven days)

BU student Halls of Residence re-open after £8million transformation

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A Bournemouth University Halls of Residence has re-opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Cranborne House, situated in St Paul’s Place near Lansdowne, has been completely transformed during the year-long, £8.3 million project.

All of the 497 bedrooms and bathrooms have received a makeover, while all 76 living rooms and kitchens have been refitted.

A new common room has been created with a large TV and table football, and an external social space has also been provided with seating and a brick barbeque.

Wireless internet has also been installed in the 15-year-old building, and students will be able to use wireless technology to check whether washing machines in the Halls’ laundrette are free.

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “It has been transformed from a building that has taken 15 years’ worth of student activity and use to a beautiful building that will accommodate over 500 students over term-time.

“It’s an essential part of the experience at BU. Student experience is absolutely key and it is delightful to see the building and the way it has been transformed.”

Cranborne House was closed while the work was carried out, but will be home to around 500 first year and postgraduate students from mid-September.

It is made up of six and seven bedroom cluster flats, all with en-suite shower rooms, and a number of self-contained studio flats.