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"It's going well so far, the night life is starting to liven up lately and the professors are slowly learning that they have to judge things differently," explained Hera Swager, who's a UCS student who has just completed her first year of study.

"This is because some of the professors used to teach college classes and they're now teaching university so it's a learning curve I think."

Hera

Hera is one of a number of international students studying at the university campus, having come from her native Texas. She was intrigued by the possibility of life at a new university.

"Because it's new it's a bit more of a challenge, nothing is set in stone and you get a bit more of a flavour.

"I just wanted an adventure, it's too predictable to go to go somewhere big."

Finding a pad

Hera, like an estimated 450 students for this coming academic year, has chosen to live in Ipswich-based student accommodation throughout the duration of her course.

"The key to that is because of the funding UCS gets, we're very keen to channel it all into academic buildings," said Sarah Collins, who's the Accommodation Manager.

"Obviously it's really important to be able to build that side of things and encourage new students and supply new courses."

Although the university does not own the accommodation it offers to students, it has a number of systems in place to ensure good standards and that the increasing cost of utilities does not effect rental rates any more than necessary.

Sarah Collins

"The way that we are able to ensure high standards for students is to produce an accreditation scheme and that was done in conjunction with our partners Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue.

"We don't have 100% control, but we do have good relations with landlords and property owners so that they understand that this is different from a normal private let.

"The rentals are all-inclusive of bills so the likelihood is that there may need to be some rental increases next year, but currently everything seems to be going quite well."

Maintaining a good relationship with landlords also allows UCS to try and ensure that the emotional well-being of its students is taken into account.

The UCS headquarters near completition

"We had a girl here and she moved out, I mean she had quite a few more problems than me in terms of finding somewhere so they were really helpful once they realised the issues that were going on, they knew the responsibilities that they have for helping us," explained Hera.

During its formative years the university accepts that the majority of its student body will be local people commuting from home each day rather than moving into accommodation provided close to the campus. However, it hopes to see a shift as the awareness of the university grows.

"2008 is going to see the launch of our new building on the waterfront so we've only had a small increase in numbers wanting accommodation this year but we're expecting a much bigger increase next year," explained Sarah.

"With that in mind were having some new purpose built blocks come online in September so that the range of accommodation goes from a studio flat up to an 82 person purpose-built block."

Bedding-in

Hera spent her first year living in a 12 bedroom house just yards from the campus and had the opportunity to experience her first year alongside a number of students from a range of different backgrounds.

Having previously studied at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, Hera is familiar with the region and the process of living in university accommodation.

A typical student bedroom

She was surprised by the significant differences between the processes at UEA and at UCS.

"UEA was just a form with about three questions on it like 'do you mind living with boys?', I sent it in and that was it, I got a room and there was no finagling, I just showed up, got the key and that was it."

"Here they were a lot more specific with the questions which is fair enough but the process was a lot more involved.

"When I arrived I had all my stuff and had to go to the letting agents and give over all the deposit money which was completely different versus UEA.

"I think it could put people off if they weren't planned enough and prepared for everything."

The university recognises that there are certain issues which will be an inevitable side effect of their lack of ownership of accommodation, though it believes that the systems that they operate are in the best interests of the students and are working to develop them at all times.

UCS, unlike the majority of other universities, work to support the accommodation needs of their students throughout the their degree and not just in the first year of their course.

The accommodation office says it's continually looking at new ways to develop the experience of living away from home and believes that working alongside the Students Union is key.

"They're obviously very active in encouraging students to become involved in events and what have you," explained Sarah.

The Students' Union bar.

"They give us information about events and we issue it out to students and we strongly advise students to come along to the initial events which is really important, particularly for those in smaller properties."

Indeed Hera, who has been very active with the Students Union during her time at UCS, feels that getting as involved as possible can be a real benefit to the student experience as a whole.

"You can get on so much better if you're willing to get out there and talk to people and you can be an ambassador as well which sometimes means you can get paid. Also, you get to talk to new students.

"I've really made friends that way and understand the steps the university is taking to improve."

Note: Due to personal circumstances Hera is no longer a student at University Campus Suffolk.