You Can Get A Free Meal At All Of These Universities
Various free food schemes are happening across many unis – here’s everything you need to know.
According to the BBC, University unions say they are having to step in to help students cope with the rising costs of food.
Some of these ways include free breakfasts, community kitchens, food pantries and vouchers are among measures introduced in some cities, with others looking at expanding help.
Within the article, the National Union of Students (NUS) uncovered some shocking research and found out that only 1 in 3 survives on £50 or less a month. Our own survey uncovered that, on average, a student spends approximately £5,322.30 per year (£433.43 per month). From this, almost half (49.90%) of spending is used for essential costs such as rent, bills, food, household, transport, and pharmacy.
However, these remaining funds are being stretched more than ever as the cost of living crisis continues to affect struggling Brits.
In order to tackle this, universities across the UK are pushing out ways to help students going through hardships. But what are they doing? And where?
UK Universities offering free food
Below are all the universities offering free food to students. We’ll keep this list updated when we find out which other institutions are getting involved too.
Bristol University
Bristol University is offering £1 meals and free period products to students who are struggling from Monday 7th November. Soup and a roll will be available for just £1 at all Source Cafes on campus and the Balloon Bar every weekday. Vegan soup options will also be provided and students must show their U-card to prove student status and receive the deal.
University of Central Lancashire
From the 31st Of October, UCLan announced that they will be offering free soup and a roll as well as fruit to students who use their canteens across both Preston and Burnley campuses.
You can also receive emergency food vouchers from the university if you’re really struggling and they’re increasing the university hardship fund which helps students to cover the cost of toiletries, food, and contribute to utility bills. In addition to this, the university has launched UCLan Achieve which allows for students to receive payments from the university faster.
University of Manchester
Every Wednesday from 9 November to 14 December 2022, students can drop into the Atrium on the first floor of University Place and enjoy a free breakfast and hot drinks, between 8.30 am and 10 am, while stocks last.
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University announced last week that students could pick up a free breakfast roll and a hot drink to help ease the current financial strain. Running at all of the university’s three campuses, Merchiston, Craiglockhart and Sighthill, the free meals will be available from 8.30am each morning.
UCL
George Farha café (within the SU), will now offer options for breakfast starting from less than £2 and lunch from £2.50.
From 9-11am, students can get a five-item breakfast pot for £1.95 (which you can get as a vegan option too), a bacon roll for £1.50, beans on toast for 50p, or build their own breakfast from individual options all under 50p. And for lunch, budget options include soup and a roll or veggie pasta for £2.50.
University of York
YUSU has organised for affordable breakfasts to be available on campus. Between 8:30-11 am on weekdays, beans on toast are available for 40p in the Courtyard. Keep an eye out on each campus’s Instagram page, as there’s regular talk of free food on offer
Plus, if you’re a student at the University of York, they’ve also put together a cost of living hub you can read through
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
UWS has launched a free breakfast scheme for its students, in hopes it can make a “small difference”. Its twice-weekly Breakfast Club aims to help students as many continue to struggle with rising food and energy prices.
Edgehill University
Edgehill University is offering a new regular “Commuter Breakfasts”. You can get a free hot drink and breakfast muffin every Tuesday and Thursday in Creative Edge between 8 am and 9 am.
University of Reading
Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) is offering extra support by running a breakfast club, which offers budget-friendly meals for £1.50 alongside support from a housing advisor to support those seeking help with accommodation.
Are there any free food initiatives going on at your university? Submit it on our Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget to sign up for Student Beans to get access to our free food and drink student discounts.
