Birkbeck Court
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Birkbeck Court is the largest, oldest and most famous student residence at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Birkbeck was built in 1972, making it 19 years older than Chancellors Halls, and consists of 16 blocks of 4 flats, each containing 6 students. There is an additional 17th block but nobody really knows how many people there are there.
Birkbeck Court is also commonly known as "The Ghetto", and also BBK and BBeck. It is not uncommon to come under fire from guns/water guns/vegetables and other miscellaneous objects whilst visiting Birkbeck Court. Perhaps the most famous weapon to be developed in Birkbeck was the 4 foot long potatoe launcher constructed by 13 C. In 2002 the Scottish Parliament drafted a bill that would have made the wearing of protective clothing compulsory for all Birkbeck court residents - it was however rejected at the committee stages. Birkbeck Court hit the headlines in 2006 when the chief of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service publicly announced plans to create a special dedicated fire service to Birkbeck Court in response to the 4+ emergency callouts per day the fire service was receiving at the time. The special fire trucks with "The Birkbeck Boys" emblazened on the sides were officially commissioned on Jan 1st 2007 and were champagne-christened by HRH Queen Elizabeth II in Glasgow's George Square.
The residents of Birkbeck have long been proud of the unique community feel and top notch banter that is (quite frankly) exclusive to Birkbeck residents. Any potential Strathclyde students are recommended to reside in BBeck (particularly in their 1st year) as it offers them a fantastic introduction to living in Glasgow and attending one of Scotland's top universities.
The crop of 2006/2007 are widely regarded as being the most vibrant and fun residents to have graced the court of BBeck, with some residents having reached minor celebrity status e.g Ewan the Pirate, Fraser "jamboy" Doherty and Jack of 9A
Key Facts and Figures:
The Ghetto has been identified by the United Nations as a possible recipient of International Aid.
Major industries include an underground brewery ('Doc's Homebrew'), the output of which contributes to the low local life expectancy and poor infant mortality rates. Conversely, it is also a major contributor to pregnancy rates.
Birkbeck is also home to Jalfreze. This fox-like neo-mythical creature is the focus of much debate, discussion and Tesco Value Ready Meal disposal.
Per capita alcohol consumption is similar to that of rural Russia.
The Court is also heaving with Northern Irish. Thus, some of the above can be explained.
