Meet the Team: iQ Student Quarter, Salford
iQ’s Student Quarter is a popular choice of accommodation for students at the University of Salford, and it’s just a short hop from Manchester. Salford is now a thriving city in its own right, with Salford Quays home to the huge MediaCity development, The Lowry arts complex and much more.
Student Quarter offers lots of outdoor space where plenty of social events take place, as well as a gym and study area. Today, we meet some of the team who keep it all running – Carla, Lauren, Ainsley and Edward.
Hey, it’s Carla!
I’m Carla, Operations Manager at iQ Student Quarter.
What are your favourite places to go in Salford?
I love the parks around us, Peel Park and Heaton Park, the great location of being just 10 minutes away from Manchester and five minutes from Salford City Centre. I like the close community feel and that there are always events on in the parks as well as lots to do at Media City – Salford always has some event or activity on.
What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?
Thanked me for the high standard service provided, for making them feel at home and being their onsite support.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate.
What about your iQ are you most proud of?
My team and being a part of our residents’ university life. Watching them start university to progress onto their careers – that is a real proud feeling, watching them grow.
Who is the nicest celebrity you’ve met?
Gilly off Hollyoaks, he was so down to earth and friendly.
What makes your iQ a special place to live?
The people I work with (we have a great team), the residents and the social environment. The people are what makes this place special.
Hey, it’s Lauren!
I’m Lauren, Assistant Manager at iQ Salford.
What are your favourite places to go in Salford?
Heaton Park for the scenery, Media City in the summer for the food and drink and, of course, Manchester is always buzzing as our second capital city!
What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?
Being thankful for the service I provided and being helpful.
What about your iQ are you most proud of?
The team, the area, the solidarity.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate.
What makes your iQ a special place to live?
The team, the community feel, the facilities and security.
Who is the nicest celebrity you’ve met?
Robbie Williams.
Hey, it’s Ainsley!
I’m Ainsley, Customer Service Advisor.
Where is the best place you have travelled to recently?
To Amsterdam – I went to a music festival with my friends.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to all the new students checking in.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fajitas.
Any interesting facts about yourself?
I used to work in Marbella as a host in a nightclub.
What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?
Thanks, you’ve been a great help.
Sum up the atmosphere at your iQ in one word
Fun.
Hey, it’s Edward!
I’m Edward, a Customer Service Advisor at Student Quarter.
What are your favourite places to go in Salford?
I really love theatre so I like to attend the Lowry Theatre as well as many of the other theatres within Manchester.
What’s your best memory of the last year at iQ?
Our last year’s welcome event, we did Bongo’s Bingo – it was a great night.
What makes your iQ a special place to live?
The team, they all go above and beyond to ensure the tenants enjoy their stay.
What about your iQ are you most proud of?
Our open spaces and greenery, it’s like a little holiday camp.
Where is the best place you have travelled to recently?
Australia’s West Coast, it’s so beautiful and peaceful – a totally different way of life down there.
Who is the nicest celebrity you’ve met?
Nicest celebrity I have ever met has been Ruby Wax (if you’re not sure who she is ask your parents).
Sum up the atmosphere at your iQ in one word.
Bonding.
If you could give your younger self some advice about student life, what would it be?
Enjoy your time, it will soon be over. My three years at uni were some of the best of my life.
Any interesting facts about yourself?
I’m a qualified wedding and events planner.
What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?
You guys have become my family which is why I have stayed here for the full three years.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cheeseburgers.
Thanks to Carla, Lauren, Ainsley and Edward for telling us all about themselves. Find out more about Student Quarter here and look out for our next Meet the Team soon.
