Honouring and Remembering Judith Bick: A Lasting Legacy in Student Accommodation

By Jordan Meates • 31 May 2026

ASRA is proud to honour and remember Judith Bick, whose dedication, innovation, and compassion have left an enduring impact on colleagues, students, and the wider student accommodation sector.

Judith, who served as Residential Experience Manager at the University of Worcester for 26 years, has been recognised with an ASRA Legacy Award in celebration of her extraordinary service and commitment to enhancing the student residential experience.

Throughout her career, Judith exemplified the very best of the accommodation profession. Joining the University in 1999, she became a driving force behind the growth and development of its accommodation services, helping to shape a welcoming, student-centred environment that continues to thrive today.

Widely admired for her warmth, humour, and unwavering positivity, Judith built meaningful connections with generations of students and colleagues. Whether supporting nervous new arrivals during Welcome Weekend, reassuring parents, or guiding students through the challenges of university life, she had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and at home.

Her influence extended far beyond day to day student support. Judith was also a forward thinking innovator who transformed operational practices within accommodation services. Recognising the need for greater efficiency and improved student experience, she designed and implemented the University’s first digital accommodation database, replacing traditional manual systems with a streamlined electronic process. Her pioneering approach laid the foundations for many of the modern systems used across the sector today.

At the heart of Judith’s work was an unwavering commitment to students and the residential experience. Her dedication played a significant role in two of the University’s most successful accommodation years, with full occupancy across more than 1,000 bedrooms and continued high demand from students seeking a place within the University community. Judith understood that accommodation was about far more than rooms, it was about creating a sense of belonging, support, and community for every student arriving on campus.

Even during periods of personal challenge, Judith’s commitment to her role and to students never faltered. She continued to contribute wherever possible and remained passionate about welcoming students to campus, once describing move-in day as “the best day of the year.” Her resilience, professionalism, and positivity inspired everyone around her.

Beyond the University, Judith was deeply committed to supporting others within her community. For many years, she volunteered with Birmingham Christmas Shelter, dedicating Christmas Day to supporting people experiencing homelessness. In recognition of her service and compassion, she received the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Award in 2023.

Outside of work, Judith found joy in travel, music, exercise classes, and long walks with her beloved dog, Drogo, alongside her partner, James. She brought the same energy, warmth, and kindness to her personal life that she shared so generously with colleagues and students.

This legacy recognition celebrates a career defined by service, innovation, and care, values that sit at the very heart of the student accommodation profession. Judith’s legacy continues to inspire colleagues across the sector and will remain an enduring part of the University of Worcester community for many years to come.