Britain's first halal-only student halls for Muslim men sparks 'segregation' outrage

By ELEANOR HARDING, EDUCATION EDITOR Published: 11:02, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 11:28, 28 July 2026 Britain's first halal-only student accommodation is due to open in Dundee to 'cater for Muslim students' at the city's universities. Rose House has 20 rooms exclusively for male students, with alcohol banned and only halal food permitted on site. The accommodation, the first of its kind, is 'designed' for Muslim students – although by law non-Muslims can also sign up. The 18th-century building was bought by ILM Student Halls last year and will open its doors in the autumn. Promotional material on its website shows a prayer room, gym, massage chairs and games room. Staff say most rooms have already been taken, with only nine still available. However, the project has sparked outrage, with critics saying it amounts to 'segregation'. Iain Gall, a Tory councillor in the neighbouring Angus authority, wrote on X: 'This is so wrong, blatant segregation here in Scotland. Britain's first halal-only student accommodation is due to open in Dundee to 'cater for Muslim students' at the city's universities (pictured: Rose House) Rose House has 20 rooms exclusively for male students, with alcohol banned and only halal food permitted on site (pictured: the prayer room) The accommodation (pictured), the first of its kind, is 'designed' for Muslim students 'Whoever sanctioned this should be removed from post. Imagine this was "white only", media would quite rightly go mad.' Meanwhile, Mark Simpson, a Reform MSP for North East Scotland, added: 'I am completely opposed to this and will fight to get it cancelled.' Priced from £165 per week, ILM pledges 'premium facilities with no shared-flat surprises, no hidden charges, and a supportive community'. The website says halal-only accommodation is 'something we as Muslims require in our life to make sure that we connect to our religion and please Allah'. Guidelines state that residents must respect prayer times, spiritual spaces and maintain an 'alcohol-free environment', with pork 'strictly prohibited'. Tenants must get permission to have 'overnight guests' and participate in 'community meetings' when asked. The halls are designed for students at both Dundee and Abertay universities, although these are not connected with the privately-operated venture. Kashif Rashid, the owner of the building, has claimed that the majority of its occupants for the coming year are non-Muslim, including several Christians. Mark Simpson (pictured), a Reform MSP for North East Scotland, said: 'I will fight to get it cancelled' The website states: 'ILM Student Halls is one of Dundee's most sought-after student accommodation options – featuring 20 private en-suite student rooms, three fully equipped halal-only communal kitchens, social living areas, and an on-site gym. Our student accommodation in Dundee is designed to be a genuine home for university students, with bills included and high-speed wi-fi throughout.' It adds: 'Three spacious, fully equipped halal student kitchens featuring modern appliances and dedicated prep spaces for your daily cooking. Because all kitchens are strictly halal-only (no pork or alcohol), ILM is the perfect private student accommodation in Dundee for Muslim students.' The site's terms of tenancy state: 'All residents are expected to: Treat all residents, staff, and visitors with respect and dignity, maintain cleanliness in personal and communal areas, follow quiet hours between 10pm and 8am, obtain permission before having overnight guests, report maintenance issues promptly, participate in community meetings when requested.' Catholic and Jewish student accommodation also exists elsewhere in the UK. ILM has been contacted for comment.