These refurbishments form the first stage of a five-year programme to upgrade 2,500 rooms on the Heslington West campus. Central Hall and the YUSU Student Centre have also undergone major works this summer.
However, work across campus is still incomplete as term starts. Central Hall remains covered in scaffolding while work goes on to replace and paint deteriorating concrete and seal the roof.
Derwent College’s Junior Common Room is still without a television, and its residential buildings will be surrounded by scaffolding for the first month of term while the roof is fixed.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Students Jane Grenville said: “We are delighted that we have completed on time the refurbishment of 750 rooms in Halifax and Derwent Colleges. The new rooms look as good as new, and will greatly enhance the living conditions of students.
“This is part of a five-year programme to bring all our student accommodation up to a high standard, and further work is planned for the summer of 2012.”
One fresher moving into the new accommodation told Vision: “It looks beautiful! I’d heard Derwent was pretty grim so I’m chuffed!”