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University Square

Queens Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1BF

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Access Guide

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Accommodation Summary

  • 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.
  • Residence Information View
    • This residence is made up of 7 buildings.
    • Most buildings at this residence have similar access to the one surveyed.
    • The residence surveyed was House 2.
    • Houses 1, 2 and 3 have single automatic doors to access them.
      Houses 4, 5, 6 and 7 have single manual doors to access them.
  • Accessible Accommodation Information View
    • The accommodation has 562 rooms in total.
    • There is an/are accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
    • The accommodation has 7 accessible room(s) with accessible bathroom facilities.
    • There is/are 0 accessible room(s) with a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is/are 7 accessible room(s) with a wet room/wheel in shower.
    • There is/are 0 accessible room(s) with a bath.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible room(s).
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • The accessible toilet facilities are located in the accessible ensuites and common room.
  • 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 can be accessed by lift.
    • Standard accommodation has ensuites with shower pods.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the standard room(s).
  • Amenities and Communal Facilities View
    • There is a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
    • Communal facilities within this residence include a staffed reception, a launderette and a common room.
    • The communal facilities for the accommodation surveyed include; a kitchen and a study area.
  • Additional Accessibility Aids View
    • There is a deaf alert system available on request.
    • Vibrating pillows alarms are available on request.
    • Bed raisers are not available on request.
    • Portable hoists are not available on request.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is University Square Car Park.
    • The car park is located on College Way.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 320cm x 550cm (10ft 6in x 18ft 1in).
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Queens Road.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The standard parking bays on Queens Road are pay and display.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - House 2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Queens Road.
    • This entrance gives access to the main reception and all Houses.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Comments View
    • There are manual, heavy doors to the left of the automatic door that open away from you (push).
    • The doors are double (one side locked).
    • The width of the door is 78cm.
    • This entrance is used to access all of the accommodation houses.

Outside Access (House 6)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of House 6.
    • This entrance gives access to the accommodation.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'HOUSE 6'.
    • There is step-free 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 117cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Opening Times (Reception - House 2)

  • Reception is staffed 24 hours per day.

Reception (House 2)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead from the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is sloped/ramped access to There is a ramp to the left from the main entrance to access the podia area and all the other Houses from House 2.
    • There is stepped access to There are steps to the left from the main entrance to access the podia area and all the other Houses from House 2.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (House 2)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located to the left from the main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the podia area and all the other Houses from House 2.
    • 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located to the left from the main entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the podia area and all the other Houses from House 2.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Other Floors (House 2)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • 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 not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps is 25cm.
    • The steps are 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 landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • There are similar stairs in the other Houses.
      There are 4 floors in House 1, 2, 6 and 7.
      There are 6 floors in House 5.
      There are 7 floors in House 3.
      There are 10 floors in House 4.

Lift (House 2)

  • The lift is located to the left from the main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 152cm x 140cm (4ft 12in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There are similar lifts in the other Houses.
    There are 4 floors in House 1, 2, 6 and 7.
    There are 6 floors in House 5.
    There are 7 floors in House 3.
    There are 10 floors in House 4.

Accommodation (House 1 - S1AZ)

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located in Houses 1, 2 and 3.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • All accessible rooms of this type have similar specifications.
    • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
  • Accessible Room Features View
    • The accessible room surveyed is located on the first floor of House 1.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was S1AZ.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
    • The door is key card activated.
    • The fob/card reader height is 95cm.
    • The width of the door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There are not 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 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • 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 75cm.
    • 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 desk chair without armrests.
    • Wardrobes have been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The window control type(s) for the room is a/are power pad(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 in the room is within reach and fully functional.
    • 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 moderate to good.
    • There is a kitchen area within the room with a sink, hob and microwave.
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is fair.
    • The bathroom door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door has no lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 88cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is good.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 219cm x 246cm.
    • 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 an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm in the ensuite is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not 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 cannot 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 73cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides 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 no soap available.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 146cm (4ft 9in).
    • 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 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 a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Shower Details View
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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.

Standard Accommodation

  • There is step-free access to standard accommodation.
  • The standard accommodation surveyed was Room A in Flat 5.
  • The standard accommodation surveyed is located in House 5.
  • The standard accommodation surveyed has an ensuite with a shower.
  • The height of the step to access the ensuite is 13cm.

Kitchen/Dining Area (House 3 - Flat 14)

  • The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
  • The door is push pad activated.
  • Lowered work surfaces are available.
  • There is a height adjustable work surface.
  • The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is a knee recess under a work surface.
  • A knee recess is provided adjacent to the sink and the hob.
  • Knee recesses are at least 80cm wide.
  • There are low level cupboards.
  • There are easy to grip handles or taps for cupboards, the refrigerator and the freezer.
  • The height of the dining table is 64cm.
  • There are dining chairs with and without armrests.
  • The height of the fixed counter is 89cm.

Entrance (Common Room)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of House 2.
    • This entrance gives access to the common room, laundry room, accessible toilet and standard toilet.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 87cm.

Common Room

  • The Common Room is located on the ground floor of House 2.
  • The surface is laminate and carpet.
  • There are chairs with and without armrests.
  • The heights of the tables range between 70cm - 111cm.
  • The height of the computer desks are 70cm.
  • There are booths.
  • The height of the kitchen counter is 92cm.
  • There is a vending machine.

Opening Times (Laundry Room)

  • Monday 08:00 - 23:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 23:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 23:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 23:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 23:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 23:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 23:00.

Laundry Room

  • The Laundry Room is located in the Common Room on the ground floor of House 2.
  • The door is single, heavy and opens away from you (push).
  • The width of the door is 85cm.
  • The height of the handles for the washing machines are 60cm.
  • The height of the controls for the washing machines are within 106cm.
  • The height of the dryer handles is 170cm.
  • The height of the controls for the dryers are within 106cm.
  • There is a lower dryer with the height of the handle at 60cm and the controls are within 106cm.
  • The height of the circuit app machine is 107cm.
  • There are chairs without armrests.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Common Room - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead from the Common Room entrance on the right hand side.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Common Room entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 144cm x 208cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The 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 rail(s) is/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 contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 165cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Comments View
    • The gap to access toilet area from the corridor is 92cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Common Room)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located ahead from the Common Room entrance on the right hand side.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the Common Room entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The gap to access toilet area from the corridor is 92cm.