Worcester is one of the fastest-growing universities in Britain. Even with the change to tuition fees, applications have remained buoyant against a falling national picture. Worcester has seen its applications rise three times faster than the national average over the last five years: 20% compared to the national figure of 6.65 per cent. In March 2015, the university won the Guardian University Award for Buildings that Inspire through its development of the University of Worcester Arena, a state-of-the-art sport facility designed specifically to accommodate disabled and able bodied athletes. In 2013 the university won the Guardian university award for its contribution to the local community after creating the Hive, the country's first university and public library. The university has received excellent reports from Ofsted and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Worcester itself is a charming city with plenty to see and do. It has an energetic and varied nightlife, and is situated between two areas of outstanding natural beauty with lovely countryside nearby. Accommodation All first-year undergraduates who accept a conditional or unconditional offer through Ucas by 1 May are guaranteed a place in university-owned/managed accommodation. Prices begin at £89 a week and go up to £145 a week for the 'en-suite extra'. All students living in halls benefit from free gym membership. Facilities The university has invested millions in new facilities, opening several new buildings in recent years, including two award-winning facilities, the Hive library and history centre and the University of Worcester Arena. Other facilities include science laboratories; teaching rooms; art studios; halls of residence; a study and guidance centre; and the City campus. It has also invested in clinical skills rooms for nurses and midwives; psychology Mac labs; broadcasting studios; fitness suites and sports pitches; a motion and performance centre; drama, dance and art studios; computer and science laboratories; and sound and video studios. Transport Located close to the city centre within easy access by train, bus and on foot. Birmingham international airport is 45 minutes away from the university. For travel via London Heathrow, there is a high-speed rail-air link to Worcester via London Paddington or Reading. The University of Worcester, with Worcester city council, won gold in the Green Apple environment awards for raising recycling levels among students, and was the first university in the UK to gain Eco Campus Platinum across the whole campus.