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Student Accommodation - U Stairs

Jesus College, Jesus Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8BL

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Jesus College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Jesus College is situated just to the north of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the campus is located in Victoria Avenue. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There are 3 main car parks at Jesus College which are located close to Chapel Court, North Court and Library Court. There are 2 designated parking bays for Blue Badge holders which are located in the Chapel Court Car Park. The College advise that if you are visiting West Court you may find it easier to park in the accessible bays in Jesus Lane which are closer. If you are visiting and require on-site parking please contact the College ahead of your journey to make sure a parking space is available. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes.
    • View information on getting to Jesus College (opens new tab)
    • View information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge (opens new tab)
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located in Jesus Lane. Step-free access is via a push pad activated gate and a ramp (Photographs 1 and 2). The minimum width of the gate opening and ramp is 94cm. Push pad heights are approximately 100cm. The exit push pad is positioned in advance of the ramp and the gate closing time has been delayed to allow people sufficient time to use the ramp when exiting. Immediately beyond the entrance is a level paved walkway called The Chimney (Photograph 3) which leads to the Porters' Lodge.
    • Pedestrians can also access the College site via the West Court entrance in Jesus Lane where there is step-free access with automatic doors (Photographs 3 and 4 - please see the Detailed Access Guide for further information).
      Staff and students with key cards also have the option of accessing the site via the vehicle entrance in Lower Park Street (Photograph 6) where there is a pedestrian gate with a key card reader (at a height of 103cm). The gateway is narrow (72cm) and the surface uneven so this may not be suitable for some people. There is an intercom at a height of 122cm so staff may be able to open the vehicle gates if the pedestrian gate is unsuitable.
      Key card holders can also access the site via the main vehicle exit in Jesus Lane where there is also a pedestrian gate (Photograph 7). The gate opens automatically away from you when activated by a key card. Access here is level and the gateway is wide (165cm). The height of the key card reader is 95cm. There is also an intercom for those requiring assistance. The height of the intercom is 123cm.
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the designated Blue Badge bays in the Chapel Court Car Park the nearest step-free route to Chapel Court is via the Angel Archway (Photograph 8 - the nearest entrance, Boaty Archway, has a step over the threshold).
      If parking in the North Court Car Park there is open and step-free access to North Court from the front right corner of the car park. The North Archway is also located in this car park which gives step-free access to Second Court via an open gateway and short passage. When parking at the Library Court/Housekeeping Car Park there is step-free access to Library Court or back up the access road to Angel Archway.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The Jesus College site is mostly level with paved surface paths that run around the edges of the various courtyards and links them together. Most of the paths are wide (150cm+), even and there are some bench seats for resting.
    • There may be some areas where the paths are more narrow, less smooth or the paving slightly uneven but generally there is step-free, flat access around the external areas of the site (Photographs 9-15). There are some steps at one side of Library Court (Photograph 16) but these can be bypassed by using the path on the opposite side. There is a short steep slope on the path that links Chapel Court to Library Court via the Chapel itself (Photograph 17). There are also short steep ramps in the passageway at G Stair leading off Cloister Court towards J, K, L Stairs and Chapel Court (Photograph 18). The path running to the rear of West Court, next to The Orchard, has a slight slope leading down past the Café Bar (Photograph 19).
    • There is not much directional signage around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. There are wall mounted maps at the Angel and North Archways (Photograph 20) and paper copies can be provided on request from the Porters' Lodge.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Jesus College have stepped access once inside. (Photographs 21 - 24). Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings. In most of the main listed stairs you can expect to find 15+ unmarked steps with at least one handrail or banister.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located beneath Coleridge Room, off Pump Court and there are also smaller adapted toilet facilities within K Stairs.
    • Accessible toilet and standard toilet facilities are located off Cloister Courtyard.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Chapel Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Morgan Avenue, off Victoria Avenue.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in Chapel Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the Angel Archway.
    • There is a one-way system in place, vehicles exit the site via Jesus Lane.
      The 2 designated parking bays are located close to Boaty Archway (Photograph 7) but the accessible pedestrian route into the site is via Angel Archway (Photograph 8).
      There is additional overflow parking on the grass by the rugby pitch (Photograph 9).

Site/Campus Car Park (North Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the North of the site, near North and Second Court.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in North Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • If parking in the North Court Car Park there is open and step-free access to North Court from the front right corner of the car park (Photograph 6). The North Archway is also located in this car park which gives step-free access to Second Court via an open gateway and short passage (Photograph 7).
      There is a site map within the North Archway (Photograph 8).

Site/Campus Car Park (Library Court / Housekeeping Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located just before the site vehicle exit in Jesus Lane.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in Library Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • When parking at the Library Court / Housekeeping Car Park there is step-free access to Library Court or back up the access road to Angel Archway (Photograph 7).

Getting To (Student Accommodation - U Stairs)

  • Location View
    • Student Accommodation - U Stairs is located off North Court.
    • North Court is located to the North of Jesus College. It can be accessed from the Porters' Lodge by travelling North through Front Court and Second Court.
    • Step free access to the building is via the U stairs lift which can be accessed externally off North Court. This lift provides level access to the Basement, First, Second, and Third Floors, bypassing both the Main Entrance and the internal staircase.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to North Court.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; standard and accessible ensuite accommodation in U Staircase as well as a Laundrette.
    • Jesus College link (new tab) - click here.
    • Porters' Lodge link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (U Stairs)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off North Court.
    • This entrance gives access to U Staircase.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'U'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 105cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The entrance leads directly onto the staircase between the basement and the first floor.
    • There is external access to the U Stairs lift to the right of the entrance that provides direct access to the Basement, First Second and Third floors bypassing both this entrance and internal stairs.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 1m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, North Court Main Entrance Level, 1, 2, 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • There is no ground floor on the staircase, only a landing providing access to and from the main entrance. There is a single step directly in front of you as you enter to access the staircase (photograph 3).

Lift (U Stairs External Entrance and Other Floors Lift)

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located off North Court to your right as you face the main entrance to U Stairs.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, North Court, 1, 2, 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 650kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • The lift can be accessed off North Court to provide external access to the building, bypassing the main entrance and providing direct access to the other floors of the building. The lift provides the only step-free access into the building. A key is needed to access the lift externally, this is at a height of 110cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is concrete.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.

Accommodation

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located on the first, second, and third floors of the building.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • All accessible rooms of this type have similar specifications.
    • Residents need to open a door between the lift and the room(s).
    • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
  • Accessible Room Features View
    • The accessible room surveyed is located opposite the lift on the first floor.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was 6.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed, via lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
    • The door is key card activated.
    • The fob/card reader height is 108cm.
    • The width of the door is 80cm.
    • There are lowered spy holes available.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is good.
    • The bed height is not adjustable.
    • The height of the bed is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 15cm (6in).
    • The bed is not moveable.
    • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • A member of staff can reconfigure the room furniture to create a turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 74cm.
    • The desk is not height adjustable.
    • The desk knee recess does not have the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
    • The height and depth of the knee recess is 64cm x 58cm.
    • The room surveyed had a height adjustable chair without armrests.
    • Wardrobes have not been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • Electric sockets are not between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The window controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not an emergency alarm in the room.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
    • The colour contrast between the room walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels in the room are good.
    • Windows within the room are sliding. There are two small balcony areas either side of the room which are accessed by heavy, 88cm wide doors that open towards you. These have a slight slope and a shallow 6cm step to access the balconies (photographs 6, 7 and 8).
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is poor.
    • The bathroom door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door has no lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 86cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is poor.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 244cm x 248cm.
    • The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf immediately next to or behind the toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are moderate to good.
    • The sink is height adjustable (photograph 11).
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 185cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
  • Shower Details View
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • Shower controls do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is a single vertical grab rail to assist standing users.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are good.
    • There are drop down rails on either side of the shower seat.

Kitchen/Dining Area

  • The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
  • The door is not push pad activated.
  • Lowered work surfaces are not available.
  • The height of the lowest work surface is 93cm.
  • The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
  • There are some low level cupboards.
  • The height of the dining table is 67cm.
  • There are dining chairs without armrests only.

Laundry

  • The Laundry is located on the basement floor and is accessed via a heavy door that opens away from you (push) to a width of 74cm.
  • There is a washer and a dryer with controls at a height of 80cm.
  • A sink and an ironing board are also available.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.