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University cost of living support for students
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Monday, 27 March 2023
Coins and notes - photo by Suzy Hazelwood, via Pexels
The cost of living has increased over the past year and we’re aware that students may have concerns about money issues, now and in the months to come. The university is here for you and every student, and we have put in place a package of financial advice, services and support to help students who may be experiencing money issues.
Read on to find out about the support available to you and your fellow students.
Money information, advice and support
All students can take advantage of the excellent financial advice and information provided by the university, and your first visit should be to the Money and funding section on the Student Hub.
The university has also partnered with BlackBullion to provide useful resources and guidance on a range of financial topics (such as budgeting, debt and saving), to help students maximise and manage their financial resources.
Hardship funds and welfare loans
In the Money and Funding section of the Student Hub, you can also find out about financial support from University Hardship funds and welfare loans. Back in November, we announced a doubling of the Student Hardship Fund to provide additional support for those most in need. The Hardship Fund is intended to help students concentrate on their studies rather than worrying about money, so do take a look if you think you might be eligible.
Increase to the Sussex Bursary
This year the university has also increased the Sussex Bursary by £200 for students (approximately 3,000 of you) who have a household income of less than £25,000.
Real Living Wage
As a Real Living Wage employer, all our student employees, such as our Connectors and Ambassadors, receive the living wage for work carried out in these roles.
£2 hot meals on campus for students
The University has extended the subsidised £2 hot meals at Eat Central (on the ground floor of Bramber House) until the end of the academic year. Each day between 12 noon and 5pm, both a vegetarian and a vegan option are offered at this price, giving you the opportunity to grab a healthy and tasty hot meal whilst on campus. We're delighted to have been shortlisted for a Whatuni Choice Award for this initiative!
On the subject of food, the Too Good to Go app is another a great resource to help users save money and minimise food waste too.
University cost of living advice, information and support services
There’s more advice, information and ways to access support services provided by the university, which you can view via the links below:
Careers and Entrepreneurship – information and support on everything from part-time jobs to starting your own business.
Don’t forget, the Student Hub is the first place to go if you have a question about any matter that you have as a student; and our student health, support and wellbeing services are here to help any students who need professional help on a wide range of issues.
Students’ Union support
The Students’ Union represents all students at Sussex, and its officers and staff are supporting its members with a range of cost-of-living initiatives, including:
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Free Wednesdays - free provision of sexual health and period products
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Supporting student Co-ops - Food waste cafe, Roots and the Radical library, which would otherwise be a cost to students
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Offering student employment and working towards being a Real Living Wage employer
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Keeping costs low in SU venues and outlets
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Providing a free, impartial student advice service
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‘Help your shelf’ - a ‘swap shop’ where you can take and leave items for free in the common room
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Subsidised tickets,events and sports/societies memberships to make these more affordable and accessible
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Lots of free events, clubs and societies for students to take part in
You can find out about all of the above and more on the SU website.
Our continuing work on the cost of living
A university cost of living steering group was launched last year, bringing together Students’ Union officers, student experience and wellbeing experts, and university leadership. This group continues to work on exploring and developing initiatives to further support students.
We'll also be continuing to work with other universities to ensure the UK government are aware of students' financial needs during a time of rising costs – and encouraging them to act.