University Hall

A Hall for women students was opened at 163 Edge Lane, Fairfield in October 1899, as a result of private donations organised by a voluntary committee of Liverpool women. The Hall came under the control of Liverpool University in 1921.

There were a number of extensions of the original site between 1902 and 1924, with further wings added on Edge Lane, Beech Hill, Beech Street and Holly Road.

By the 1970s University Hall was used by both male and female students. University Hall was closed before the start of the 1984-85 session.

A 1901 Prospectus of University Hall described the Hall as:

"spacious and healthy, with large common-rooms, study-bedrooms, and bedrooms of various sizes..."

It continued:

"The students enjoy a comfortable home-life combined with the social advantages of a resident college. Out-door exercise of all kinds is encouraged, and there is a good garden with croquet and tennis grounds; and the athletic grounds of the college are within easy reach."

The hand-written cloth covered magazines made by University Hall students between 1912 and 1916 give us a glimpse into the students' daily lives, from meal times to afternoons off playing croquet.  They include poetry, essays, a fashion column and, in one volume, extracts from letters sent to University Hall Students from their friends and family serving in the First World War.

Aston, Rathbone and Rankin Halls (Ullet Road)

In 1922 the University of Liverpool established two men's Halls of Residence in Ullet Road, these were Ashton Rathbone and Rankin. They were not purpose built halls but occupied two houses each. In 1928 the University purchased a fifth house and merged the two halls to be run as a single unit.

In 1930 a Hall Journal was launched, the Blue Pigeon, to help create a sense of unity between the three Halls.