Student Union Archives - Estates and Facilities

The University of Leeds has secured its place in the top 10 universities in the UK, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, published today.

Last year, Leeds was named University of the Year by the Guide, having been runner-up for the award in the previous two years.

The overall rankings for 2018, which are based on a range of metrics, sees Leeds rising to its highest-ever position, at number 10 in the UK.

Exceptional year for student experience

The University’s move into the top 10 is the latest recognition of its exceptional student education and all round student experience, combined with a strong research base.

Students voted Leeds in the top five universities in the UK in the 2017 Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, where students from all over the world commended Leeds for its facilities, activities and societies, and student welfare and support.

Investing in quality

As part of its ambitious plans to maintain its position as one of the best universities in the UK, Leeds is investing £520 million in its campus, including major refurbishment of libraries, lecture theatres and the creation of new sports facilities.

Recent examples include the £17m upgrade of the Student Union to transform the social spaces, improve performance venues and extend facilities for societies. A new cycling track and sports centre, named after the Brownlee brothers who were former students at Leeds, officially opened earlier this year, to complement the state-of-the-art campus sports centre, The Edge.

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee opening the Brownlee Centre

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee open the new cycle circuit and Brownlee Centre at Bodington Playing Fields

A new undergraduate library, the Laidlaw Library, and a complete refurbishment of the Edward Boyle Library, have also created inspirational study environments, with group and silent study spaces, new cafes and IT-rich facilities. Leeds also excels at digital learning, as highlighted in its Gold standard teaching award, which praised Leeds for supporting students with “outstanding physical and digital resources.”

Reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to life-changing research, the investment programme continues with the transformation of the Engineering and Physical Sciences environment, creating first-class laboratories and specialised teaching spaces for students.

The new enterprise and innovation centre, Nexus, will also provide crucial connections with industry, bringing students and business together to support access to wider opportunities through placements, internships and networking.

Read the full story at leeds.ac.uk

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Already ranked in the top three for providing an exceptional student experience, Leeds University Union has embarked on a substantial £16.8m investment to upgrade its facilities, which will contribute towards its strategic plans to remain one of the UK’s biggest and best Students’ Unions.

The multi-million pound investment will provide state of the art facilities resulting in a unique suite of venues under one roof, alongside modern well equipped theatres with increased capacity. Upgrading of the retail spaces, licensed bars and café areas within the building will complement improved performance venues and facilities for societies. Users will also be able to navigate the building better through access from new lifts and better connections between spaces used for community engagement and co-curricular activities.

Set for completion in Spring 2017, the revamped Union will create a dynamic and modern environment, continuing to help students love their time at Leeds. The Union Upgrade is part of the University’s £520m investment in its campus, aimed at positioning Leeds as one of the UK’s top higher education institutions.

Dennis Hopper, Director of Facilities Management, University of Leeds commented:

“Investment in our facilities is a key factor in the University’s ability to achieve our strategic goals. Our buildings must support world leading research while at the same time responding to changes in student education and increasing student expectations. The significant investment in the University Union will strengthen this ambition and ensure that students have the very best experience during their time here at Leeds.”

Aidan Gills, Chief Executive of Leeds University Union explains more about the ambitious plans and the complexities of delivering a project of this scale, at the same time as maintaining business as usual.

“Our vision is to make sure that every student loves their time at Leeds. Over the past decade, what LUU does to support students at Leeds has radically changed, and this project gives us the opportunity to reflect that in our building.

Students arriving this September will experience the opening of some great new spaces in their first term and the current students will be kept informed about everything we are changing and how we want their involvement and input.

With 320+ student-led groups, the Union Upgrade is vital to ensuring that we continue to achieve our vision in a sustainable way for years to come.”