In the single biggest expansion in more than a decade, St Andrews University has launched a £70 million plan to provide 900 new bedrooms for students.
Its outline accommodation action plan confirms the university will move ahead with proposals for a major new residence on Albany Park.
Three halls will be extended and others will get major facelifts in the scheme which will be completed in phases until September 2019.
The plan, which will see the number of university-managed student bedrooms rise from 4,000 to 4,900, will carry a hefty £70 million price tag which will be funded by equity-release schemes with private sector partners.
This, said the university, would mean it doesn’t have to divert scarce resources away from its world-leading teaching and research facilities to fund its long-standing commitment to provide more accommodation.
With 8,200 students, the university already provides more accommodation per head of population than any other in Scotland.
Director of residential and business services Ben Stuart said the university was excited to be able to move ahead with the programme which would provide the single largest expansion of student bedrooms in St Andrews in more than 10 years.
“Finding accommodation in St Andrews is perceived by some students to be a stressful challenge, when the reality is that there are often sufficient rooms and choices available,” he said.
“By publishing our action plan and commitment to expand and improve our student residences and the range and choice available we hope to offer important reassurance to current and future students.”
Student leaders, who have worked closely with the university’s residential services team, welcomed the ambitious plan which will provide rooms at a range of rents, with bursary and support packages to help with costs.
Students’ association president Pat Mathewson said: “This move is a testament to the university’s ongoing commitment to delivering the outstanding experience our students and graduates cherish.
“Furthermore it demonstrate the effectiveness of our close partnership between staff and student leaders in tackling our community’s biggest challenges.”