Uni flats reserved for LGBT+ students
A WELSH university is among the first in the UK to offer students exclusively LGBT+ accommodation.
Cardiff University said some student flats at Talybont North and South have been “reserved for LGBT+ students and allies”.
The option for first year residences was offered for the first time this term following student feedback, the university said.
The move, aimed at helping freshers’ adjust to university life, has been welcomed by students.
One said she felt safer living in an LGBT+ only flat because “you know you aren’t living with other people who are homophobic” and she could meet people without having to go to socials with the LGBT society.
A Cardiff University spokesman said: “We recognise that adjusting to university life can prove to be a difficult and stressful time in a period of transition and change.
“We took the decision to pilot LGBT+ accommodation for 2019/2020 as part of a wider package of measures to help LGBT+ students adjust to university life.
“This was developed in response to research by Student Minds UK and Kings College London which looked at where universities could make simple changes to help LGBT+ students with the adjustment to higher education.
“The accommodation option will not be for everyone. We feel it’s important that students have the choice of living in LGBT+ only accommodation if they wish, just the same as we offer students the option to live in primarily Welsh speaking shared accommodation, or opt to live in single sex housing.”
Cardiff University’s accommodation website says: “We aim to continually improve our services and have been working with LGBT+ students on ideas to enhance their university experience. Following student feedback, some flats at Talybont North and Talybont South have been reserved for LGBT+ students and allies.
“This accommodation is offered as an option for students who would prefer to live with, or feel most supported living with, other LGBT+ students and/or allies.
“If you identify as LGBT+ or as an ally of the community and would like to apply for this accommodation, please select this option on your online application.”
Cardiff University is a Stonewall Diversity Champion and is ranked 11th out of 100 employers in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2019. It is also recognised by Stonewall as a Top Trans Employer.
Other UK Universities offering LGBT+ accommodation include Birmingham University, Sheffield University and UWE Bristol, who also introduced it this year.