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Old Court - Accommodation

Selwyn College, Grange Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9DQ

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Selwyn College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Selwyn College is located to the west of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the College is located in Grange Road. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements. The main parking area is located off Grange Road. There is also a car park outside the main entrance which is reserved for Fellows. Students with disabilities may be able to arrange for a parking permit with the College. Visitors with disabilities are advised to contact the College in advance and a parking space will be reserved.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. At Selwyn College there are many sheltered cycle stands available next to the Old Library, the Ramsey Murray Gate, and at the rear of Cripps Court. There are also a number of unsheltered cycle stands next to the main entrance and the hostels.
    • For more information on getting to Selwyn College please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (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 Grange Road. Access is via a double pedestrian gate (photograph 1). This entrance has one gate which may be locked at specific times, and another permanently held open with an opening width of 149cm. There is a second set of double gates at this entrance, one gate is locked, the other is permanently held open and has an opening width of 103cm (photograph 2).
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via the Ramsey Murray Gate which is a pedestrian entrance situated in West Road. This gate is for key holders only (photograph 3). The gate opens away from you (push), may be difficult for some users to open, and has an opening width of 120cm. The height of the key lock is 86cm.
      There are similar gates which key holders can access located in Grange Road giving access to Ann's Court (photograph 4) and the cycle sheds (photograph 5), in Sidgwick Avenue giving access to Old Court (photograph 6), and within the grounds of the Sidgwick Site giving access to the Gardens (photograph 7).
    • The main pedestrian access to Cripps Court is located in Grange Road. This access is via a single pedestrian gate (photograph 8). The gate has a locked extension leaf and opens automatically away from you. The gate opening width is 90cm. The gate is unlocked by key card or key. The height of the key card reader is 100cm. The height of the key lock is 112cm.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the main car park or Ann's Court car park there is step-free access to the main pedestrian entrance. There are bollards on the path leading from the main car park to the main pedestrian entrance which reduces the width of the path to 135cm (photographs 9 and 10).
      If you have entered the grounds via the main pedestrian entrance, you will have direct access to the network of paths around external areas of the Selwyn College site. The site is mostly level with wide paths (150cm+), but path surfaces do vary. The paths that run around the large central grass area of Old Court have a flagstone paving surface which may be uneven in places (photographs 11-14). Other areas have surfaced paths of various types such as flagstone paving, tarmac, and loose gravel (photographs 15-18).
    • There is stepped access to the Lower Lawn and Gardens. The steps have a partial handrail on the right as you face the 6 steps (photographs 19 and 20). There are alternative steps to access the Gardens with handrails on both sides (photograph 21). The external parts of the site are otherwise step-free except for access into buildings.
    • There is step-free access throughout Cripps Court. The surface of the path is concrete paving tiles and may be uneven in some areas (photograph 22).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Some of the buildings at Selwyn College have stepped access into and around them (photographs 23-27). 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. There are some buildings which have been adapted to make them step-free, including access ramps to bypass external steps (photographs 24-28) and internal lifts to access other floors. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is directional signage around Old Court (photograph 29) and in the centre of the college between Old Court and St Anne's Court (photograph 30) additionally maps are available online and from the porter's lodge to aid getting around the college. Accessible toilet facilities are located within the bar toilets, in the lobby to the Chadwick Room, in the corridor outside the Fellows’ Parlour, on the ground floor of B staircase, in the Diamond and College Gym, and on the ground floor of Staircase J, close to the MCR.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Main Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Grange Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porters' Lodge and Old 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 not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, visitors and student 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.
  • Comments View
    • Accessible parking can be reserved with advance notice.
    • Parking in this car park is strictly by prior arrangement.

Site/Campus Car Park (Ann's Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Grange Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Ann's 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 staff, visitors and student 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.
  • Comments View
    • Accessible parking can be reserved with advance notice.
    • Parking in this car park is strictly by prior arrangement.

Site/Campus Car Park (Fellows' Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Grange Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porters' Lodge and Old 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 not available.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is for Fellows' and visitors with mobility impairments only.
    • Parking in this car park for visitors is strictly by prior arrangement.

Getting To (Old Court - Accessible Accommodation)

Accommodation Summary (Old Court - Accessible Accommodation)

  • Parking and Transport View
    • The accommodation does not have its own parking facilities.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There is not a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
  • Accessible Accommodation Information View
    • The accommodation has 23 rooms in total.
    • There is an/are accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
    • The accommodation has 1 accessible room(s) with accessible bathroom facilities.
    • There is/are 1 accessible room(s) with a wet room/wheel in shower.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible room(s).
    • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
  • Standard Accommodation Information View
    • There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
    • Ground floor accommodation does have level access.
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
    • Standard accommodation has ensuites with baths, ensuites with stepped shower cubicles and shared bathrooms with baths.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the standard room(s).
  • Amenities and Communal Facilities View
    • There is not a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
    • The nearest laundry is in the Kitchen Yard.
  • Additional Accessibility Aids View
    • There is a deaf alert system available on request.
    • Vibrating pillows alarms are available on request.
    • Other accessibility aids can be provided after University DRC assessment and discussion with the student to determine their exact requirements.

Outside Access (F Staircase)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the East corner of Old Court.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor lobby.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'F'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 116cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • The doors can be opened automatically by remote key fob.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is stepped access to rooms and kitchens from the ground floor up.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Accommodation (Room F5)

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located on the ground floor of F Staircase.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • Residents do not need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
    • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
  • Accessible Room Features View
    • The accessible room surveyed is located at the rear of the ground floor.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was F5.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is low.
    • The door is remote control activated.
    • The keyhole height is 113cm.
    • The width of the door is 75cm.
    • There are not lowered spy holes available.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is low.
    • The bed height is not adjustable.
    • The height of the bed is 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 5cm (2in).
    • The bed is not moveable.
    • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 73cm.
    • The desk is not height adjustable.
    • The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
    • 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 control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
    • The window controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the room.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • The colour contrast between the room walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels in the room are good.
    • The door can be opened by remote key fob or manually by a key. The height of the push-pad release button on exit is 104cm (Photograph 5).
    • Some accessibility aids that are required may be available upon request in advance.
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is low.
    • The bathroom door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 80cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is low.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 180cm x 360cm.
    • 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 medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a bar of soap available.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 200cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 high.
    • 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 rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • 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 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
    • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails 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 high.
    • The colour contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are high.
  • Comments View
    • An adjustable bed and desk could be provided on request.

Kitchen/Dining Area (Ground Floor - Gyp / Kitchen)

  • The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of less than 75cm.
  • The doors are not push pad activated.
  • Lowered work surfaces are not available.
  • The height of the lowest work surface is 92cm.
  • The kitchen does not have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
  • There are low level cupboards.
  • There are similar kitchens on all floors of varying sizes (Photographs 3 and 4).

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s)

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