A brand new facility for students at London Metropolitan University’s Aldgate campus has been given the seal of approval by the Students’ Union.
Date: 10/10/2012
A brand new facility for students at London Metropolitan University’s Aldgate campus has been given the seal of approval by the Students’ Union.
The Aldgate Blue Lounge, based in Calcutta House, offers spacious sofa areas, meeting spaces, internet ‘touchdown’ points and high spec TVs. There is also a large refectory and bookshop with WiFi throughout.
Ayoola Onifade, President of London Met Students’ Union, praised the new facility during a speech at its official launch on Tuesday 9 October.
“This new space shows London Met’s commitment to improving the student experience”, he said.
“In the last three years I have seen so many changes – better infrastructure, better libraries and the vast improvement in resources - and this new facility builds on those successes.
“I call this place ‘the perfect zone’! It allows you to connect with the world, whether you’re watching the news, accessing the internet or reading, and I believe it will dramatically improve the student experience for those studying at Aldgate.
“We recognise and appreciate the efforts made by the University to do this for students.”
Professor Malcolm Gillies, Vice-Chancellor of London Met, officially opened the lounge and gave a speech in which he thanked University staff for delivering such an impressive facility. He also dedicated the occasion to London Met’s international students.
“In spaces like this we can make sure that all of our international students feel utterly welcome and appreciated”, he said.
Many international students attended the event and registered their appreciation for the new space, as well as their relief following the High Court's ruling to allow them to continue studying at the University.
Chimaroke Mgba, a research student from Nigeria based in the Faculty of Law Governance and International Relations, said: “I feel, like many of my fellow international students, a very strong sense of relief. I am actually more motivated and encouraged to succeed now than before.
“Throughout the UKBA situation my supervisor was very supportive, as was the University – they kept sending us messages encouraging us not to panic or despair. I am very happy now!”
Chimaroke also expressed appreciation for the new Blue Lounge, adding: “I commend the University for thinking of this idea and seeing it through.”
The sentiment was shared by BA Politics student James Malone, who said: “It’s a very impressive space and I think it was needed for the students here at Aldgate. It’s fantastic.”
The addition of the Aldgate Blue Lounge builds on the work already done to ensure students at London Met get the most from their university experience. This year, London Met received its highest ever score for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.
Adnan Pavel, Vice President of the Students’ Union (Media & Campaigns), said: “The Aldgate Blue Lounge will provide a real boost to student satisfaction and shows that London Met is heading in the right direction.”
For more information about this news story, please contact Luke Foddy in PR and Internal Communications: l.foddy@londonmet.ac.uk
