The University of the West of Scotland was formed in August 2007 by the merging of the University of Paisley with Bell College. The university operates over four campuses in the south and south-west of Scotland, offering higher education to local people, and giving students from outside the area a chance to live in a lovely part of the country. UWS has campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley, which is six miles from Glasgow. The university is one of Scotland's most vocational higher education institutions, boasting strong links with industrial and commercial partners. Students can take the option of a year's paid work placement as part of many degrees. Accommodation Self-catering university accommodation costs from £82 to £137 a week. Priority is given to those who live furthest away. Facilities Well-equipped libraries at all four campuses. Wi-fi access spots in residences and on campus. Computing students have access to a PlayStation games development lab sponsored by Sony. The £5m student union smack bang in the middle of Paisley has a cyber-cafe, bars, a 450-capacity venue and a games area. UWS has a £200m development programme, which is enhancing teaching, learning and research facilities in all of its campuses, and the university's IT infrastructure, includes the £81m Ayr campus. The new academic building - which is adjacent to new student residential accommodation - has achieved the highest BREEAM Excellent score for sustainability for any university campus in Scotland. Transport Paisley campus is two miles from Glasgow airport and 10 minutes from the centre of Glasgow by train. Hamilton campus is 15 minutes by train from Glasgow, Ayr campus is 40 minutes from Glasgow by car or train. Dumfries campus is reached by bus from Dumfries centre.