We know that the rising cost of living is impacting nearly everyone across the country, including you, our students. We want you to know that in partnership with the Students’ Union, we’re working hard to put extra measures in place to support you this academic year and beyond.
Over the past month, we’ve set up a joint cost of living working group with members from across the University and the Students’ Union, to collaboratively identify ways that we can help to make a difference. The group has already secured £360,000 in funding from the University to enable a range of support measures to be put in place.
Our current package of support
We’ve recently updated our Cost of Living support page, which details:
- Information about how we’re currently helping you on campus (including cheaper food options, free microwave and hot water facilities, free showers, and free period products)
- How to apply to the Living Cost Support Fund
- Details of scholarships and bursaries you may be eligible for
- Emergency support that’s available for you in a crisis
- Links to our jobs portal and the Careers Service to help you increase your income
We also announced the uplift of all University-funded PGR stipends, in line with the UKRI.
What we’re doing next
We’re delighted to confirm that due to the funding the working group has secured, we can continue to support you even further. An initial figure of £360,000 has been agreed by the University, with possible further funding to come. Our plans are developing quickly, and we’ll be able to share the detail with you soon however, our current plans include:
- Creating ‘Cosy campus’ spaces where you can relax and hang out with friends, equipped with free to use microwaves, hot water, and washing up facilities
- Further ‘Bring and ping’ spaces on campus where you can bring your own food from home to microwave and enjoy in a relaxed, warm environment
- Simplifying the Living Cost Support Fund application process
- Providing a new Emergency Hardship Support Fund for students in immediate financial need, with the intention for funding to be available within 24 hours
- Providing access to a trained Money Advisor, through a new role created within the Students’ Union
- Creating more student jobs on campus to help you increase your income
- An additional contribution of funding to the Students’ Union Recreational Grant to enable more students to take part in social activities, regardless of their financial situation
We’ll announce updates through our weekly Student Newsletters, so please keep checking your inbox regularly.
If you’re struggling
If you’re currently struggling, please reach out for help. Our Cost of Living support pages detail the package of support currently on offer, with more to be added shortly.
We also understand that financial stress can take a huge toll on your mental health and wellbeing, and we encourage you to reach out to our Support Services where you can access advice and guidance on how to take care of your wellbeing, make an appointment to speak to one of our trained Wellbeing Advisors, or help in an emergency.
We’re proudly working in collaboration with the Students’ Union on our cost of living offer.
