25 April 2019

Meet the Team: iQ Parker House, Dundee

iQ life Dundee

One of our five properties in Scotland, the popular Parker House is home to students from Abertay University and the University of Dundee. Its proximity to the universities and city centre is top notch, and it’s close to pretty Dudhope Park with its great views over the city.

Residents have the waterfront and the new V&A Dundee just a short walk away, and their own onsite gym back at base. In between, there’s lots of other cool stuff to discover about this intriguing east-coast city. After all, where else can claim to be the home of both Lorraine Kelly and Grand Theft Auto?

Today, we meet Paula and Sandy, two of the team at Parker House.

Hey, it’s Paula!

My name is Paula, I am the Housekeeper at Parker House.

What makes your iQ a special place to live?

It is a very sociable, friendly place to be, there is a good buzz about the place everyone always welcomes a chat.

What are your favourite places to go in Dundee?

The Perth Road has lots of nice places to eat and drink. It’s also a nice place to sit in the summer nights. I love listening to live bands over a social drink. (See our Dundee city guide for some options)

What are you looking forward to this year?

This year I’m looking forward to seeing new faces as the new term starts. It’s also nice to know that our residents have moved on after successfully gaining their degree – a start of a new chapter.

What’s your favourite band/ movie?

I don’t really have a favourite band, however I do like a variety of music ranging from Kings of Leon, Bastille and Adele to dance music. I love a good chick flick too.

What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?

“Hello, how are you today?” Our students are very friendly and staff here try to encourage this.

Where is the best place you have travelled to recently?

Croatia – it was beautiful.

If you could give your younger self some advice about student life, what would it be?

To relax, not sweat the small stuff, have more fun, go out when I could, make memories, laugh until my belly hurts, smile and think about all the good times I had, the people I met and the stories I can tell the grandkids.

Any interesting facts about yourself?

I have a textiles degree. I love fashion, making clothes, shopping ‘til i drop and I own a lot of shoes… that I can’t throw out, but I tell my husband I have.

What about your iQ are you most proud of?

I think the staff do an amazing job at providing emotional support to our students. Being away from home can be daunting, but knowing that they have a place to come for a chat is very important.