Here’s What UK Unis Are Doing To Help With The Cost Of Living Crisis

19 Sep 2023, by Lydia Kah-Pavlou, min. read

Here’s the support that you might be able to get from your uni this year.

The cost of living crisis has had a huge impact on students and continues to do so as prices soar across the country. Luckily, many UK universities are recognising the impact and are introducing measures, additional grants or even food banks to help their students out during tough times.

If you are struggling financially, here is a list of resources we have compiled of support that might be available to you at your university.

The University of York

The University is working with the students’ union to try and support students in finding a part-time job and to promote more job opportunities
Menstrual products are free across campus to help fight period poverty
The Activities Acess Grant is open to low-income students to help them participate in clubs and other student activities
Last year around 2,000 students were offered a £150 rebate from the council to help with bills, this could happen again this year

You can check out The University of York cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has introduced a number of free kitchens that can be accessed across campus, with microwaves, toasters and hot water facilities
Free shower facilities are also available across campus as well as heated study spaces during winter to help students keep their energy bills down
The university has teamed up with Too Good To Go to help offer cheaper food options on campus and to tackle food waste
Free breakfast is available to students before lectures across campus
Free period products are available at various locations across campus
In partnership with their students’ union, they have launched a project where students can pick up or drop off period items, food and clothing
The Student Hardship fund has been doubled to help students access financial support if they need it

You can check out The University of Nottingham cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Manchester

The cost of living support fund has been formed from donations from alumni and is available to any student who is unexpectedly struggling with financial hardship
Last year a one-off payment of £170 was given to every student
The SU offers an emergency loan for students in short-term financial hardship
Free food and free breakfast events are available across campus
Free hot showers across campus, as well as microwaves, washing-up facilities and hot water
A community fridge to combat food waste
Reduced food prices across campus
The recreation grant allows students to claim up to £250 to be used towards activities and clubs
The SU offers a free taxi service to help students get home safely if they don’t have the money
Free period products across campus and free eye tests for students
No more library fines

You can check out The University of Manchester cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Leeds

The university has increased its student Financial Assistance Fund
Free period products are available across campus
Warm study spaces available to students on and off campus
Hot meals available on campus for £2-3

You can check out The University of Leeds cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Edinburgh

Increased funding to the university’s hardship fund by 50%
Microwaves and hot water are available for students to use across campus
Cheaper lunch options have been introduced such as soup for £1.50 or filled rolls for £1.75
Free shuttle bus service across campus
IT and tech equipment loan system
Free period products across campus
Free hot showers across campus

You can check out The University of Edinburgh cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Exeter

The university has invested £3 million into student support during the cost of living crisis
The Success for all fund offers support for all students who are experiencing financial hardship
Warm study spaces are available throughout winter
The SU community pantry is a food bank available to students
More affordable meals on campus

You can check out The University of Exeter cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Bristol

The university has increased the amount available in its financial assistance fund from £600,000 to £1 million
The financial assistance fund is available to all students who could receive between £250-£750 depending on personal circumstances
Cheaper food options across campus such as a £1 soup and roll and a community cafe serving low-cost hot food
Free fitness activities and classes available to students
The university is working to make more part-time job roles available throughout the year and Bristol SU jobshop can help students find part-time work

You can check out The University of Bristol cost of living hub for more info.

Newcastle University

The university has a £1.7 million package of financial support available to students
The Student Finance Support Fund is available for students who need it and emergency short-term loans are also available
Participation bursaries are available to help students take part in clubs and societies
The Jobs on Campus scheme helps students to find part-time jobs
The Make it Happen fund is available for students and recent graduates who need financial support in attending interviews and work experience
A dedicated phone line for students to talk to an adviser about their financial worries
Subsidised campus laundry facilities
£1 hot meals in cafes across campus
The Student Pantry food bank is available to students who need to use it

You can check out Newcastle University’s cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Sheffield

The university has committed up to £3 million into cost of living support for students
The cost of living support fund is available to students directly struggling from the cost of living crisis
No more library fines
Equipment and tech loans
New cheaper food deals across the students’s union
Access to free hot showers across campus

You can check out The University of Sheffield cost of living hub for more info.

The University of Southampton

The University has committed an additional £550,000 to financial support for students making the total £1.1 million last academic year
The student support fund is available to students who need it
The Food For All food bank is on campus
Hot showers are available for students at the students’ union
The community pantry costs £1 as an annual fee and gives students access to free food and household goods once a week

You can check out The University of Southampton’s SU cost of living hub for more info.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University has a £1 million budget for its Financial Assistance Programme
No more library fines
The students’ union building is open 24/7 as a warm place to hang out or study
Free period products available to students
The SU student kitchen has a free microwave, kettle and toaster
£2 lunches at the SU

You can check out Cardiff University’s SU cost of living hub for more info.

Lancaster University

The LUSU pantry is a food bank available to students in the students’ union
Free breakfast club and food events at the students’ union
Free period product vending machines across campus
The Lancaster Opportunity Access Fund is available to students who need financial support and help

You can check out Lancaster University’s SU cost of living hub for more info.

General support

There’s also support available that isn’t university-specific. We have compiled a list of support and funding available to students right here.

Check out the cost of living hubs from other UK universities here for more info and advice at your uni:

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our student life section on our blog for ongoing help and advice during the cost of living crisis and remember to use your Student Beans account to save on all your fave brands when shopping this year.