The Student View on Estates and Facilities 2023

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Contents
1. A Word from the <strong>Student</strong>s' Union President… Page 3
2. An Introduction to the <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong> on Estates & Facilities… Page 3
3. Transport… Page 4
4. Period Dignity and Hygiene… Page 6
5. Facility Provision… Page 9
6. Ergonomics… Page 11
7. Accessibility… Page 15
8. Recommendations… Page 18
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Gina Dunn
<strong>Student</strong>s’ Union President
<strong>Student</strong> feedback provides the University
and <strong>Student</strong>s' Union with the framework to
improve, enhance and shape the
experience of being a student at Cardiff.
Each year, the <strong>Student</strong>s' Union collects
feedback through campaigns such as
Speak Week, where we ask students what
they would keep and change if they ran
the university, and through <strong>Student</strong> Staff
Panels and College Fora. We then collate
that feedback and submit it to the
University in a document called <strong>The</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong>.
Last year, we decided to change the way we approach <strong>The</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong> and in turn, our
approach to partnership. In order to focus our efforts, we submitted four 'mini' <strong>Student</strong>
<strong>View</strong>s that home in on specific themes, rather than addressing all aspects of feedback
we collected over the year.
This year we have continued in that way, submitting one in-year <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong> in
December, on the Cost of Living, and three more at the end of the year focusing on key
areas that have arisen through data collection throughout the year.
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong> on Estates and Facilities brings light to critical issues which are
affecting all of our students in their learning environment. We hope that this document
will help to address those issues and enable our students to study in an environment
that enhances their experience.
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong> on Estates & Facilities
Introduction
Estates and Facilities is a topic that has come up frequently over the years in the
<strong>Student</strong>s’ Union feedback collections. With it coming up so frequently, it is clear that the
university must review and make changes in order to improve the student satisfaction on
campus.
Our findings have been condensed into five key points that we believe should be a
priority for the university to focus on. <strong>The</strong>se five key points are transport, period dignity
and hygiene, facility provisions, ergonomics and accessibility.
Our students urgently need reform and in this <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong>, you can find our
recommendations towards change at the end of the paper. From the feedback we have
received, students need more support in these areas and reviews must happen in order
for progress to be achieved.
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong> on Estates & Facilities
Transport
<strong>The</strong> Cardiff University estate is vast, with students and the university spread across the
city. <strong>Student</strong>s’ accommodation, social activity, study, and sport can often take place at
locations miles away from each other. <strong>The</strong>refore, the transport and network links across
the city have the ability to help foster community, student engagement, and students’
overall experience of University life.
Transport between campuses, specifically, between the Heath Park and Cathays
campus, continues to be a hurdle for many students. Currently the university runs a
shuttle from university halls which many students have sighted as being infrequent,
unreliable, and only available for students who reside in these halls. <strong>Student</strong>s who live at
other campuses as well as those who fulfil most of their studies at the Heath Park
campus would like, and need, more bus service between Cardiff’s vast campus to make
it more accessible to all.
Transport was cited as a particular issue for students on 74 of the completed Speak
Week cards. Of these 74 cards, with the exclusion of cards where the school was not
recorded, 40% came from students whereby the majority of their studies took place away
from the central university base of Cathays campus. This highlights the potential
disconnect and isolation which can be felt by students who wish to take part in activity
based at Cathays but are often unable to do so because of the links between their study
location and Cathays.
"Increase transportation for students in JOMEC from Cathays + City Centre. I believe the
university already has a free bus service, why not expand it to JOMEC? It's the only school
that's isolated from the rest of the university." (Undergraduate, JOMEC, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
"I would change the lack of accessibility to the main campus from the heath park campus as
I have heard from many students that they find it hard to join societies or join sports clubs as
the walk is so long. Especially if you live around Clodien house. A suggestion I would make is
to try to get a shuttle bus running between heath park campus and main campus (centre for
student life." (Undergraduate, HCARE <strong>Student</strong>)
On top of this, students note that more bike access and more student carparks are a
necessity. In the absence of a reliable bus service those students who either do not live
on campus or who live on a distant campus need options for travel. With nowhere for
them to affordably park their car on campus or lock up their bike, these two are
automatically ruled out. Transport and the accessibility of our university campuses is a
real issue for our student body.
"I regularly cycle to the Heath Park Campus - it was encouraged in the induction programme
videos and it is important in terms of number of vehicles on site and the environment.
However, when I arrive on a rainy day there is very limited space to change (I end up using a
disability toilet), and nowhere (that I have found) to leave wet jackets, trousers, gloves and
shoes to dry during the day. This should be addressed to encourage this form of transport."
(Postgraduate Taught, HCARE, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
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As is clear, currently the university runs a shuttle from university halls which is not
frequent or accessible enough, and there are limited alternative options for students to
travel at low cost between campuses due to lack of bikes, bike racks and low cost or
accessible car parks. <strong>The</strong> only other means of public transport for students between the
two campuses is the Cardiff Bus. Cardiff Bus run a Young Persons Fare Scheme for
anyone between ages 16 and 21 offering them discounted fares. However, currently, this
scheme does not apply to over 20% of undergraduates and most postgraduate students
at the university. This can make travel between the campuses a hurdle for many
students especially in adverse weather situations.
On reaching out to Cardiff Bus, the Union has discovered that the University tried to
negotiate a deal with the service several years ago. Cardiff Bus is happy to have
conversations about such a deal again. <strong>The</strong> Union believes that a discount for all
students would be beneficial and support students’ travel in a cost-of-living crisis.
Something needs to be done to make travel to and from Campuses more accessible to
all students. Currently the university shuttle bus is too infrequent and too limited, and all
the other options are either insufficient, unsafe, or too expensive. As a result, the
<strong>Student</strong>s’ Union propose the following recommendations:
Recommendation 1: <strong>The</strong> university should review their travel provisions.
Recommendation 1a: For Cardiff University to re-engage with Cardiff Bus to
develop a student-pass which would provide discounted and frequent travel for
students.
Recommendation 1b: For the University to improve its current bike storage
facilities and to build and develop additional storage spaces across the estate.
Recommendation 1c: For the University to develop more student-friendly parking
options, with both availability, location, and price key factors in ensuring they are
student friendly.
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Period Dignity and Hygiene
Another prominent theme within our data sources has been surrounding personal
hygiene. <strong>The</strong>re is abundant evidence for the introduction of free menstrual products
across all university buildings and indeed, sanitary bins in all toilets (not just gender
neutral/female). Unsatisfactory toilet maintenance also repeats throughout our data
sources along with dirty study spaces and common areas. <strong>The</strong> university offers a range
of common areas to study and socialise, but what is apparent from our data that
students are unsatisfied by the maintenance of those areas. It is highly suggestive that
the lack of maintenance of these areas may be what leads students to suggest ‘more
study spaces’ year on year.
Toilets
One area that came up repeatedly in Speak Week was the cleanliness surrounding toilets
in academic buildings. With comments ranging from sanitary bins to broken locks,
unpleasant aromas and more, students were passionate about detailing where they felt
improvements could be made. As the comments below show, the standard of cleanliness
of these facilities is below expected:
"No more stinky toilets! Refurbishments needed in Redwood Building!" (Undergraduate,
PHRMY, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
"Toilets on the 3rd floor are not in good state- broken locks, dirty toilets" (Undergraduate,
CARBS, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
[What would you change?] " Smell in male toilets near forum" (Undergraduate, ENGIN Year 2
<strong>Student</strong>)
This issue can be easily remedied with a better provision of cleaning timetables and
improved checks on the facilities within buildings. A regular cleaning rota would not only
ensure acceptable standards of cleanliness but also make a nice environment for
students. Sanitary bins should also be available in all toilets regardless of gender so that
should someone suffer with IBS or anything similar, they have a comfortable way of
disposing of any equipment if necessary.
If one aspect of a building is not as expected, students will most likely leave to find
another study space with acceptable provisions. To tackle the challenge of managing
study spaces, change needs to start in facilities already within the buildings on campus.
Rooms and Labs
<strong>Student</strong>s will spend a lot of time in their practise rooms, seminar rooms and labs
throughout the course of their degrees and from our data, students are finding the same
cleaning standard of rooms as the toilets mentioned above. Our comments from Speak
Week and from <strong>Student</strong> Staff Panels identify several rooms students feel are cluttered,
untidy and unsanitary. Below are just a few of the comments we have identified:
[What would you change?] " Less dirty and cluttered labs" (Unknown <strong>Student</strong>)
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"Studio spaces are often cluttered, not much room to work." (Postgraduate Taught, ARCHI
<strong>Student</strong>)
This issue is one that could be solved with some simple adjustments to rooms. Access to
simple cleaning provisions such as sanitiser and cloths will allow students to sufficiently
clean their workspaces effectively. For bigger areas such as regularly used labs between
seminars, there can be a focus at the end of sessions and bookings for sufficient
cleaning to take place before the students leave. <strong>The</strong>re needs to be assurance that
students can make their study space the way they want to and have access to the
learning facilities they deserve.
Period Dignity
This year, Rebecca, Vice President Welfare, received numerous emails from staff
requesting the free period products we provide to students in the SU, in their own school
buildings (e.g Welsh and Engineering buildings). Ashly, VP Heath Park, has also received
several emails from schools such as Dentistry also requesting access to these products.
In a number of these cases the request had been received following feedback received
by <strong>Student</strong> Academic Representatives during <strong>Student</strong> Staff Panels.
"<strong>Student</strong>s requested free menstrual products in SMEB. Staff noted how they are available in
the SU" (<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel Minutes, Undergraduate BIOSI)
" <strong>Student</strong>s raised that tampons and sanitary products should be available for free in the
School bathrooms." (<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel Minutes, Postgraduate PHYSX)
Due to the size of university estate and financial requirements, the <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union is
unable to take direct responsibility for period products across the campus. However, the
numerous schools that have reached out are testament to how vital free period products
are to our students. Menstruation is not a choice.
Every year, our Advice Team run a Period Dignity campaign in collaboration with the Vice
President Welfare and on the first day alone, 111 students collected free period products
such as tampons, pads and menstrual cups. 380 students collected in total across the 4
stalls run during the campaign, with 1674 engaging on social media. Moreover, the
<strong>Student</strong>s’ Union continue to offer them in the <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union building and toilets, with
students collectively saving £1000s due to the offer provided by their <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union.
<strong>The</strong> love for these was also shown in the ‘What would you keep?’ question during Speak
Week, with the offering provides in the SU building and IV lounge mentioned a number of
times.
<strong>The</strong> demand for these products continues to be seen throughout the year – not just for
students but for everyone across campus who menstruates. <strong>The</strong> size and complex nature
of campus means that the <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union building cannot be the only reasonable
location for free products to be provided. No matter what building these students are in,
they should be able to get their hands on the products they need. <strong>The</strong>y should also be
readily available, and stock replenished as often as need be.
Welsh Government have committed to end period poverty, Cardiff University should too.
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<strong>The</strong> environment in which students study, live and experience their student life is
important, they should be kept to the highest of hygiene standards and no student
should be forced to experience period poverty. <strong>The</strong>refore, the <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union makes the
following recommendations:
Recommendation 2: Improve the regularity of cleaning across the University estate
with particular focus on toilets and areas where hygiene is paramount.
All the comments mentioned above demonstrate how important personal hygiene is to
students. <strong>The</strong>ir environment means a great deal to them and can help them become
more productive and appreciate the campus around them. A few changes such as
providing simple cleaning materials, reviewing the rota for cleaning staff and ensuring
regular checks would help improve the dissatisfaction across campus.
Recommendation 3: <strong>The</strong> university should provide accessible, free period products
in a gender-neutral location in all buildings across campus.
Sanitary bins should be made available in all toilets regardless of gender. Regarding
period products, it is a no brainer. <strong>The</strong>re needs to be free menstrual products provided
across campus, in every building, in a gender-neutral accessible space. We need to end
period poverty and that change starts within our buildings on campus.
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Facility Provision
Whilst Cardiff has an impressive Campus and facility offering, there is so much more that
can be done to make the most of our buildings to ensure that all students and the whole
Cardiff community are getting the most out of them. It has become clear from both the
first and second Speak Weak data that provision, specifically on the Heath Park Campus,
needs to improve.
Clearly the Heath Park Campus is behind the others in terms of what it can offer
students. Many have sighted the need for more prayer space and prayer space that is
sufficient for them to correctly practice their religion.
"Prayer room in Cochrane." (Undergraduate, MEDIC, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
"Prayer room in Cochrane/IV Lounge" (Undergraduate, MEDIC, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
It is also clear that the gym and sports provision need to be improved. <strong>The</strong>re are no
university sports facilities at the Heath which means that healthcare and medical
students who study solely at the Heath and most likely live in the Roath/Heath area are
missing out on the student friendly priced gym and ability to use all university gyms on
campus if they so choose. We need to ensure that the Heath Park students aren't being
forgotten about and have access to the same facilities our Cathays-based students have
access to.
"Possibly have a free gym and another study room" (Undergraduate, MEDIC, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
However, improvements to the facilities do not end at Heath Park. <strong>Student</strong>s have
generally noted the need for more prayer rooms as well as sensory rooms across
campus. One student noted that there needs to be a “bigger focus upon accessibility
within the university.” Not all students feel like they have a place to be themselves and
feel safe and secure on campus, especially those who are religious or neurodivergent.
Furthermore, quite generally, students have seen the need for increased opening hours
at the gym due to them not being open long enough to fit visits in around their studies. It
is also clear that the gym provision at Talybont is not good enough. It needs to develop to
match the Cathays campus standard. <strong>The</strong> student experience, specifically relating to
sport, would be enhanced with better facilities, whether that be bigger and better gyms
that are open for longer or with the addition of a swimming pool and tennis courts.
On a more positive note, Common rooms, especially the ones at the Heath Park Campus,
were identified as a positive aspect in all facility responses. However, because of their
positive impact it is an area that students would like to see extended. It is something that
postgraduate students feel would enhance their student experience and common rooms
need to be extended to all schools. <strong>The</strong>y have been sighted as a great way for students
to make friends and feel like they always have a place to go on such a spread-out
campus, preventing loneliness and increasing community feeling. Common rooms should
be something extended across campus due to their proven benefits to the student
experience.
"Increase provision for students on Heath Campus during lunch periods, where common
room space is often loud and very busy. More Uni subsidised options for food. Common room
space/ flexible study spaces where you can eat and study- IV Lounge and 4th floor in TDS is
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now VERY busy post-covid, as there are so many more students in." (Undergraduate, HCARE,
Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
" Have a common room for law students " (Undergraduate, LAWPL <strong>Student</strong>)
" <strong>Student</strong>s enquired whether there was potential for a Postgraduate common room"
(<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel Minutes, Postgraduate Research ENGIN)
"Not feasible to have a separate PGR space, school wants to promote a culture of mixing
with different people and research groups. Work elements have been removed from the
common room" (<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel Minutes, Postgraduate Research EARTH)
Based on students’ views on the current offering and what could be offered to further
support students’ experience, the <strong>Student</strong>s’ Union recommends the following:
Recommendation 4: <strong>The</strong> university should install more prayer, sensory and
common rooms across campus.
Recommendation 5: <strong>The</strong> university should continue to review its sports facilities
and gym offering across the estate ensuring that it remains affordable and
accessible to students.
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Ergonomics
Our environment is so important to us. It can affect our mood, productivity and makes a
big impact on students’ day-to-day experiences. In this year’s data collections, we have
seen a strong theme regarding building ergonomics and the facilities in which students
are studying. With comments ranging from study spaces, water fountains, microwaves
and more, students are desiring improvements to their environment fast. As a topic that
has come up in a lot of previous <strong>Student</strong> <strong>View</strong>s, it is disappointing to see it come up yet
again. Below is a breakdown of the key themes.
Study Spaces
Study spaces is a topic that has come up repeatedly time and time again in <strong>Student</strong>
<strong>View</strong>s. <strong>Student</strong>s have voiced concerns about not enough study spaces, the quality of
them and the environment around them. <strong>The</strong> data is no different this year. Comments
obtained from our Speak Week data collections demonstrate how students are still
experiencing the same issues as they have been over the last three years. Below are
some of the comments we have received on this topic:
" I would make a lot more lounge areas for students, it gets busy very quickly. To add to this I
would add more tables and chairs in the CSL. (Undergraduate, EARTH, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
" Abacus could make better use of its study spaces (workable height chairs and desks and
more of them!" (Undergraduate, BIOSI, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
" I would add more study spaces to the John Percival building, specifically quiet spaces "
(Undergraduate, SHARE, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
"Make more silent study areas available" (Undergraduate, LAWPL, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
" More plug sockets available in lecture halls and study spaces" (Undergraduate, BIOSI, Year 3
<strong>Student</strong>)
"<strong>The</strong> plugs in the CSL are hit and miss. quite often they have been switched off or unplugged
the wires should be taped up to the table to stop students kicking them" (Undergraduate,
GEOPL, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
"I would like to see plug sockets in lecture halls around the desks in the John Percival building
as for students that need to charge their devices during long lectures, they are unable to."
(Undergraduate, ENCAP, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
It is disappointing to see that even when students find a study space to use, there are
often problems with them such as broken plug sockets and unplugged wires. <strong>Student</strong>s
already struggle with finding study space but is it any wonder when the study spaces that
they are using are littered with broken equipment and hazards? <strong>The</strong>re is a large
underutilisation of space in the John Percival building because of the lack of plug
sockets, and the demand for improvements is there. Providing plug sockets would make
massive utilisation of a large building, providing better study spaces for students.
Comfort is key to students studying and they value a range of desk and chair heights.
<strong>Student</strong>s are craving comfortable environments to study in, and they feel that there is a
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lack of these on campus. When discussing comfortable environments, it is important to
note the comments regarding more silent study spaces. Introducing areas of quiet study
or even silent study would be an easy fix but may alienate some students who want more
sociable working. Taking the ASSL as a model, splitting a building into floors with
different noise levels may be a model some buildings wish to take on.
Microwave and Kitchen Facilities
Another topic that has been apparent from our data, has been the student demand for
microwaves, kettles, and fridges across campus. With the cost-of-living crisis hitting
students hard, there has never been such a demand for instant meals which only need
hot water or a microwave to heat up. Evidence of this can be seen through the SU Feed
your Flat campaign which regularly engages over 200 students each time. <strong>The</strong> first items
to go are always items such as noodles and cup-a-soups – easy meals which are cheap
and quick to make. With such demand for these meals, it is no surprise that students
want to see more facilities like these across their campus buildings. Just some of these
comments highlight the demand from students:
"A microwaves/ food reheating stations in the postgraduate teaching centre, we don't have
one but there are students who would like to bring food in and heat it up" (Postgraduate
Taught, CARBS, Year 1 <strong>Student</strong>)
" More facilities such as microwaves/kettles in uni buildings" (Undergraduate, COMSCI, Year 3
<strong>Student</strong>)
" <strong>Student</strong>s would appreciate a Fridge/Microwave/Kettle to use." (<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel Minutes,
Undergraduate OPTOM)
<strong>The</strong>se comments just capture a snapshot of the demand that students are expressing.
Implementing even small items such as a kettle in popular study spaces would have a
huge range of benefits with students feeling more comfortable in their work environment
and becoming more productive as a result. Even more signage pointing out where
resources such as hot water taps can be found would also be seen as beneficial in
making students aware of the resources around them.
<strong>Student</strong>s across campus are also expressing need for more microwaves across campus.
It can be inferred that the cost of living crisis is resulting in an uptake of more people
turning to ready meals and quick dinners. In order to enhance the quality of study and
community spaces across campus, facilities such as microwaves and kettles need to be
introduced to help students through these unprecedented times.
Quality of Rooms
We have also received some comments from students concerned with the quality of
rooms and academic buildings. With issues ranging from temperature of rooms to the
quality of facilities such as water taps, students are experiencing a lot of discomfort
around their academic buildings. Just some of the comments we have received from
<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panels and Speak Week are detailed below:
"Issues with ventilation in some rooms (hot and stuffy) and some rooms are overcrowded."
(<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel Minutes, ENCAP Postgraduate Research)
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"We need more radiators around the second floor as it's gets pretty cold. We also need more
chairs in Rnb room during the weekdays so that we could accommodate more students like
us who wants to study." (Undergraduate, CARBS, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
"Temperature in the JOMEC building (too cold)" (Undergraduate, JOMEC, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
"Make study spaces warmer and lecture theatres colder." (Undergraduate, COMSC, Year 1
<strong>Student</strong>)
Climate control is a surprisingly big factor for students who are studying and can make or
break someone’s studying experience. Even a simple implementation of posters detailing
who to contact should the room be too hot/too cold would be beneficial and allow
students to access support should they need it. Large open spaces with windows such as
the CSL can get cold quickly so signposting where to get assistance or rentable blankets,
etc., would be extremely advantageous. A routine check upon water fountains may be
needed to ensure that the quality of these facilities is improved. Increasing the number
of these fountains will be beneficial and help promote a healthier lifestyle to students
who may be persuaded to buy other drinks due to a lack of water fountain.
In addition to the above, when students have found a space which suits them, they often
have difficulty booking these rooms. That is, if they can even book them at all. <strong>Student</strong>s
in buildings such as ABACWS cannot book rooms which contain valuable resources such
as whiteboards and even if access was solely provided to MATHS students, the utilisation
of this space could vastly improve the study spaces on offer to students. <strong>The</strong> school of
MATHS was not the only school to mention increasing the number of bookable study
rooms:
"More private rooms to book, single self-study rooms." (Postgraduate Taught, LAWPL, Year 1
<strong>Student</strong>)
" More (especially bookable) solo study spaces such as the one on the ASSL first floor."
(Undergraduate, PSYCH, Year 2 <strong>Student</strong>)
Utilising the rooms in university buildings will increase student satisfaction and lead
students to study spaces where they can use the space to their advantage. <strong>Student</strong>s with
courses that rely heavily on mathematical working and diagrams can really appreciate
the rooms and further enhance their learning through practicality.
Connectivity
When considering how much of a student’s degree is undertaken online, the results can
be shocking. Between Learning Central, the <strong>Student</strong> Intranet and writing programmes, it
is no wonder students spend so much time on their devices. Connectivity is so important
to the student experience and slow connection speeds can become frustrating. <strong>Student</strong>s
just want to get online quickly and easily but our data suggests that there has been
difficulties in this.
"Eduroam wifi connection seems pretty weak especially at the ASSL library, it most of the
time get disconnected and ask to login, also show privacy error all the time that gives me a
feeling of doing a task?" (Postgraduate Taught, CARBS, Year 1 <strong>Student</strong>)
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"Better WiFi in heath campus, I like to study in the library but half of my time is spent
waiting for the uni/ network to load." (Undergraduate, HCARE, Year 1 <strong>Student</strong>)
" <strong>The</strong> wifi is terrible" (Undergraduate, ENGIN, Year 2)
A review of the current Wi-Fi provisions would help ensure that signal is reached across
campus. Heath hospital appears to be a spot where connectivity is poor, and signal could
be improved here. Wi-Fi is so fundamental to a student’s degree so best efforts should
be made on facilitating and improving it. A survey of students may even allow pinpointing
of where students are must affected by the current internet provisions but would
increase overall satisfaction.
Recommendation 6: <strong>The</strong> university should review and improve the ergonomics of
their buildings.
Recommendation 6a: To further the expansion and development of study spaces
across campus, with focus on underutilized spaces in buildings such as ABACWS
and enabling students to book lecture theatres and small teaching spaces when
not in use.
Recommendation 6b: Increase the provision of kettles and microwaves across
campus and remove any costs associated with hot water from university catering
outlets.
Recommendation 6c: To improve the connectivity across campus including the
availability of working Wi-Fi and plug sockets.
Recommendation 6d: To place signage around campus to inform students of who
they can contact should the room’s climate not be ideal.
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Accessibility
At least 1 in 5 people in the UK have a long-term illness, impairment, or disability. Many
more have a temporary disability. With student numbers growing continuously,
accessibility has never been so important. Facilities need to be considerate of those with
a disability and monitor student feedback so that changes can be made accordingly.
With accessibility needs changing often, student feedback has never been so important
in monitoring facilities such as lifts, fire doors and lecture recordings. During feedback
collection, students raised several issues, of which the main themes are detailed below.
Accessibility of Learning
Our speak week feedback and <strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel minutes indicate that those who
identify as having a disability are struggling with learning materials on campus.
"Make sure all lecture captures have the closed captions turned on!" (Undergraduate, ARCHI,
Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
"Library support for disabled students" (Undergraduate, LAWPL, Year 3 <strong>Student</strong>)
" Accessibility of disability support and learning needs to be better." (<strong>Student</strong>-Staff Panel
Minutes, GEOPL Postgraduate Research)
Closed captions are essential to anyone who has any degree of hearing loss and
something as simple as enabling Panopto to use closed captions can easily remedy this
issue. Whilst it may not be a problem for many, it can really make a difference to those
students who need this support. Library support and disability support needs to be better
promoted and introduced to students. Simple signposting can really help students
identify who to ask in a situation and help staff assist students.
Accessibility of Facilities
<strong>Student</strong>s are telling us that the buildings across campus are becoming a hindrance
because of their inaccessibility. Fire doors may seem easily accessible to many of us as
we use them every day but to someone in a wheelchair or with fibromyalgia, these doors
can be extremely difficult to navigate. This issue was among several others we obtained
from our feedback:
"Heavy doors inaccessible" (Undergraduate, Medic, Year 3)
[What would you change?] "Improvement to accessibility in the student buildings. 1. Make
fire doors more accessible, they're too heavy. 2. Emergency Red cord needs to be to
regulations (e.g. down to the ground)" (Undergraduate, Medic, Year 3)
Access in toilets across campus also needs to be reviewed in terms of making sure the
alarms are working and that the cords are at a suitable height. Plugs should also be at
accessible heights and in easy-to-reach areas to ensure all students have access. Finally,
the university should consider working with Cardiff Council to improve street lighting
across campus so that visibility is improved, not just for student safety but also for
accessibility and security needs.
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Lockers
A comment that has also recurred frequently has been the desire for lockers on campus.
For those who do have a disability, carrying numerous items can become a large burden,
especially for those who have lectures across the campus. Heavy textbooks, art supplies,
and laptops can be extremely hard for students to manage.
Lockers should be made accessible in a key hub on campus. Rules will be applied
regarding use and maintenance, but the presence of lockers would help those most
vulnerable in managing their load. <strong>The</strong> University should choose two locations – one at
the Heath campus and one on Cathays campus – to keep the lockers central but also
maintainable. <strong>The</strong> student comments we have received in support of the above, are
below:
"Put lockers in CSL, bring a lock maybe. It can be inconvenient to go back and forth in the
dark because I can't carry all my stuff " (Undergraduate, LAWPL, Year 1)
"Can we lockers at the main heath campus please for if you want to go for a run lunch time -
you can put your things in a locker" (Undergraduate, HCARE, Year 1)
"Can we have some lockers in uni buildings, especially the SU, to put bags in "
(Undergraduate, MEDIC, Year 1)
Lifts
Lifts provide accessibility on a daily basis to those who need it but when they break
down, it can make a massive difference to a student’s experience. For example, the
<strong>Student</strong>s’ Union only has one main passenger lift alongside one central service lift which
only goes to the second floor. <strong>The</strong> main passenger lift breaks down frequently and
cannot cope with the student demand we see for it. With the lift having been broken for
most of May, students who needed to access the Union resorted to being assisted to the
service lift, which has also recently broken. In the Law and Politics building, the main lift
used by students in the ground floor foyer majorly needs to be updated and refreshed. It
is shaky and breaks down frequently on students.
<strong>The</strong>se are just some of the buildings across campus which urgently need improvements
with their lift facilities. <strong>Student</strong>s are missing out on vital student activities and learning all
because the lifts do not function effectively. <strong>The</strong> frequent breakdowns and inaccessibility
cannot go on. <strong>Student</strong>s reflected these sentiments in their comments in our data
collections:
"Fix the Lifts" (Postgraduate Taught, LAWPL, Year 3)
<strong>The</strong> university needs to undertake an immediate review of its lifts. As one of the most
important factors for accessibility, it needs to be a priority for improvement. <strong>The</strong>y should
be marked for improvement where necessary and best efforts must be made to ensure
that lifts are functional and operational. <strong>The</strong> review should also include the <strong>Student</strong>s’
Union as it is used for a lot of university activity, from celebrating our <strong>Student</strong> Mentors to
School lunches. Priority should go to the buildings that see the most demand from
students and need the most urgent repairs.
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Recommendation 7: <strong>The</strong> university should undertake a review of its accessibility.
Recommendation 7a: <strong>The</strong> university should focus on the access of its buildings
via lifts, ensuring areas with the most footfall have the least amount of time with
lifts out of operation.
Recommendation 7b: Lockers should be installed across the estate and available
to students.
Recommendation 7c: Ensure that all lectures include closed captioning in their
Panopto recordings.
Recommendation 7d: Ensure that plug-sockets and fire doors remain accessible
and useable by disabled students.
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Recommendations
Recommendation 1: <strong>The</strong> university should review their travel provisions.
• Recommendation 1a: For Cardiff University to re-engage with Cardiff Bus to develop a
student-pass which would provide discounted and frequent travel for students.
• Recommendation 1b: For the University to improve its current bike storage facilities
and to build and develop additional storage spaces across the estate.
• Recommendation 1c: For the University to develop more student-friendly parking
options, with both availability, location, and price key factors in ensuring they are
student friendly.
Recommendation 2: Improve the regularity of cleaning across the University estate
with particular focus on toilets and areas where hygiene is paramount.
Recommendation 3: <strong>The</strong> university should provide accessible, free period products in
a gender-neutral location in all buildings across campus.
Recommendation 4: <strong>The</strong> university should install more prayer, sensory and common
rooms across campus.
Recommendation 5: <strong>The</strong> university should continue to review its sports facilities and
gym offering across the estate ensuring that it remains affordable and accessible to
students.
Recommendation 6: <strong>The</strong> university should review and improve the ergonomics of
their buildings.
• Recommendation 6a: To further the expansion and development of study spaces
across campus, with focus on underutilized spaces in buildings such as ABACWS and
enabling students to book lecture theatres and small teaching spaces when not in
use.
• Recommendation 6b: Increase the provisions of kettles and microwaves across
campus and remove any costs associated with hot water from University catering
outlets.
• Recommendation 6c: To improve the connectivity across campus including the
availability of working Wi-Fi and plug sockets.
• Recommendation 6d: To place signage around campus to inform students of who
they can contact should the room’s climate not be ideal.
Recommendation 7: <strong>The</strong> university should undertake a review of its accessibility.
• Recommendation 7a: <strong>The</strong> university should focus on the access of its buildings via lifts,
ensuring areas with the most footfall have the least amount of time with lifts out of
operation.
• Recommendation 7b: Lockers should be installed across the estate and available to
students.
• Recommendation 7c: Ensure that all lectures include closed captioning in their Panopto
recordings.
• Recommendation 7d: Ensure that plug-sockets and fire doors remain accessible and
useable by disabled students.
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