Summer improvements underway across our halls

23 Jul 2026

While main campus may feel quieter over the summer months, it’s anything but behind the scenes in our halls of residence. For our Accommodation team, this period is one of the busiest and most important times of the year, as preparations get underway to welcome the next cohort of students.

Each summer presents an opportunity to invest in our buildings, carrying out a combination of major refurbishments, targeted improvements and essential maintenance. This year is no exception, with a wide-ranging programme of work taking place across the accommodation portfolio. 

At Dalton-Ellis Hall, kitchens in Fiddies and the main building block will be replaced, continuing a programme of upgrades following last years kitchen improvements in Ewings and Graham. Alongside this, work is also underway to enhance accessibility across several residences, including the creation of additional fully wheelchair accessible rooms, complete with hoists, auto-access doors and specialist bathroom facilities. 

George Kenyon Hall will be closed for the next academic year to allow for a essential maintenance. During this time, we’ll also be replacing and upgrading all of the en-suite bathrooms, alongside wider improvements to kitchens and a full repaint, ensuring the hall is refreshed and ready for future residents. 

Beyond these larger-scale projects, teams are delivering a comprehensive programme of maintenance and refresh works across all sites. From repainting corridors to upgrading fixtures and fittings, this work plays a vital role in ensuring our halls remain safe, comfortable and welcoming. 

Fiona Day, Head of Facilities Management, said: 
“Summer is always one of our busiest and most important periods. It’s when we have the opportunity to make meaningful improvements to our buildings that directly impact students’ day-to-day experience. From major refurbishments through to smaller enhancements, every piece of work contributes to creating a great environment for our residents.” 

Delivering this programme takes a coordinated effort across Accommodation teams, Estates colleagues and external contractors, all working together to ensure everything is completed ahead of the start of term. 

These improvements mean that, by September, students will move into halls that are ready, refreshed and designed to support their experience from day one.