BOOSTING STUDENT SATISFACTION AND REVENUE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM

The Challenge

The University of Buckingham, home to over 3,000 students across three campuses, is renowned for its intensive two-year degrees and a significant international student population. However, student feedback revealed a growing demand for better on-campus amenities, particularly around food and beverage options. The existing café, with its limited operating hours, was falling short of meeting student needs. With 300 students residing on campus and minimal local dining options, the university aimed to provide 24/7 access to fresh, healthy meals and snacks to enhance student satisfaction.

The Solution

The university partnered with Selecta to revolutionise its food and beverage offering. Selecta replaced the underperforming café at the Franciscan Building with a modern, multi-functional space featuring two Foodies Grab & Go Smart Fridges, We Proudly Serve Starbucks™ coffee  machines, microwaves, and a kitchenette. This upgrade allowed students round-the-clock  access to a diverse range of cold meals, snacks, drinks, and heat-to-eat options. The space was designed to foster a relaxed atmosphere for socialising and study breaks, making it an appealing hub for students.

Following the success of this initial revamp, additional We Proudly Serve Starbucks™ coffee machines were rolled out across campus, including the Student Union and visitor café. Medical and business student areas, such as the Chandos Road and ADR Buildings, also received new vending and coffee solutions, ensuring every student had convenient, on-the-go refreshment options.

Selecta was chosen by the University of Buckingham to be our food and drink service provider due to the large variation of solutions they can provide. The introduction of 24/7 fresh food through Foodies Grab & Go Smart Fridges and We Proudly Serve Starbucks coffee machines has significantly increased student satisfaction and footfall. We look forward to expanding these services over the next 12 months across our Buckingham campuses.
– Matthew Cross
Director of Estates
The University of Buckingham

The Results

The introduction of 24/7 food and beverage services dramatically improved student satisfaction and increased footfall across campus. Students appreciated the convenience, variety, and quality of the new offerings, leading to a more enjoyable campus experience. Moreover, the university benefitted from an additional revenue stream through rebates from our solutions, further bolstering its financial performance.

 

Encouraged by the success of this initiative, the University of Buckingham plans to continue expanding its food and beverage services, including installing more coffee machines in newly leased student accommodation.

Conclusion

The University of Buckingham successfully transformed its on-campus food and beverage services by partnering with Selecta. The new offering not only improved student satisfaction but also enhanced the overall student experience and created a valuable source of additional income for the university.

Selecta’s integrated, scalable solutions helped the University of Buckingham set itself apart from other institutions, reinforcing its reputation as a student-focused university.

Interested in enhancing your consumers' experience at your location? Contact us to discover how our solutions can work for you or find out more about our self-serve vending solutions.

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