Cost of living support for students
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Tuesday, 9 May 2023
The latest Office of National Statistics survey (April 2023) explored the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on students in higher education. Of the 1,965 students that took part from across England, 92% revealed that their cost of living had increased over the past year, with bills making up the lion’s share of their expenses. 46% of respondents also reported that their mental health and well-being had worsened with 78% admitting that they were concerned that the rising cost of living may affect how well they do in their studies.
At Sussex, we understand that students will be worried about the cost of living. We want everyone to be aware of what resources are out there that can help make things a little bit easier. Read on for a range of resources that are there to support you.
The Students’ Union has a food donation box set up at the Meeting House where students can drop off and/or collect food!
The Students’ Union also run Free Wednesdays where you can pick up free period products and free sexual health products between 12 - 1:30pm in Falmer House Reception during term time.
Similarly, you can pick up free condoms, STI tests and Pregnancy tests in the Student Centre at any time! Just ask the reception desk.
Food Waste Cafe - a student society that holds cafés on campus and works with local organisations to turn food that would otherwise have gone to waste into pay-as-you-feel meals! All students are welcome to volunteer or just buy lunch from the café sessions. Follow @foodwastecafe_sussex on Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming sessions.
Eat Central in Bramber House serve £2 meals every day!
The University’s food outlets redistribute surplus food with Too Good to Go and Olio. These are apps that help minimize food waste by selling them at much cheaper rates or sometimes even for free at the end of the day. Worth a download!
Finally, we have put together a comprehensive linktree with tons of support for you all. From funding, loans, and budgeting help to links to food banks, recipe ideas and much more!