They're taking our home, say Staffordshire University students

Staffordshire University is to pull out of Stafford, leaving its hi-tech premises at Beaconside in favour of merging with its other campus in Stoke-on-Trent.

The move will see the majority of the 2,500 students move to the Potteries by 2016 with just NHS-commissioned health courses remaining on the fringe of the town in Blackheath Lane.

Leaders in the county fear that £30 million a year could be wiped from the Stafford economy. The campus includes courses in computer games design, electronic engineering, music and film. Halls of residence, a gym, sports facilities and the students' union are based on site.

Ben Kibble, 18, a first year games concept design student from Coventry, said he was 'appalled' by the move.

He said: " I fell in love with the campus when I came to look around. The facilities here are custom-made and I can't see how they can recreate what they have in Stafford elsewhere."

Edouard Perrin, 25, is a fifth year electronic engineering student from Lyon in France. He has studied in Stafford for two years as part of partnership with his French university.

He said: "Even though I will be leaving in six months, I think it is a bad thing. I have many friends at the other campus in Stoke who used to live here and they all say Stafford is better."

First year computer science student Jay Abbott from Dudley said he had mixed feelings. He said: "I am conflicted. This is a very nice campus and a nice area, but Stoke does have a better nightlife and there is more going on. What I don't understand is that most of the buildings and facilities here are custom-made and I cannot believe by being crammed into a building in Stoke we will get the same as we do now."

Martin Turner, 20, commutes from Wolverhampton to study music technology. He spends nearly £500 a year in travel costs and believes a move to Stoke could make it unaffordable for students who want to stay at home in the Black Country.

Edward Hollowood, 18, is a first year web design student from Manchester. He said: "I do not know why they are doing it. It will ruin the local economy."

Mark Elms, 19, is a second year games design student from Liverpool said it would create huge upheaval. He said: "It will be like starting a new uni."

Eddie Pedro, 19, a games concept design first year student, said: "The facilities in Stafford are amazing and from we have heard about Stoke it would seem to be more out of date. The campus here has lots of trees and that is great for sketching and getting inspiration for designing." Gina Hindley, 20, also a games concept design first year, said: "Next year we will be moving into houses and we are now confused whether we should be looking for homes in Stafford or Stoke as we don't know when the move will happen."

Ryan Evans, 18, a computer science first year student, said: "I can see why they would want to bring everyone together on one campus. I just don't want it to affect my course."