31 August 2025 · Campus · Helen Croft, Accommodation Office
Scholars Village, Luma University's newest halls of residence, welcomed its first residents on 30 August 2025 ahead of the start of the autumn term. The £42 million development provides 420 en-suite bedrooms arranged in flats of six to eight students, along with communal kitchens, laundry facilities and a resident tutor programme.
Located on the eastern edge of the Edgewater campus, Scholars Village replaces outdated 1970s accommodation blocks demolished in 2023. Each bedroom includes a study desk, storage and high-speed Wi-Fi, while shared living areas are designed to encourage community among flatmates. Ground-floor rooms and adapted bathrooms ensure accessibility for disabled students.
Accommodation Manager Helen Croft reported that demand exceeded supply during the allocation process. "We received over 600 applications for 420 places. Priority was given according to our published criteria, including distance from home, disability requirements and care leaver status," she explained.
Weekly rents range from £165 for standard en-suite rooms to £195 for premium rooms with enhanced views and slightly larger floor space. Contracts run for 44 weeks, aligned with the standard academic year. Catering is self-catered, with students using shared kitchens or the campus catering outlets.
A formal opening ceremony scheduled for October 2025 will include tours for open day visitors and alumni who contributed to the fundraising campaign. Applications for 2026–27 accommodation open on 1 March 2026 via the accommodation portal.