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University support for students affected by the rising cost of living
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Thursday, 29 September 2022
Coins and notes
It’s almost impossible to not hear about the rising cost of living, and we’re aware that students may be worried about money issues now and in the months to come.
We know that the latest news headlines can cause anxiety, but the university is here for you and every student, and the good news is we already have in place a wide range of excellent financial advice, services and support to help students who may be experiencing money issues.
Please read on to find out about the support available.
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.
On that page you can also find out about financial support from University Hardship funds and welfare loans and Black Bullion’s free financial education platform.
Additionally, there’s more advice, information and ways to access support services provided by the university. You can view these via the links below:
Careers and Entrepreneurship – information and support on everything from part-time jobs to starting your own business.
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
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Hosting an event: Sustainability Network: How can we come together as a community as we face climate and cost of living crises?
Coming up
A university cost of living steering group will be meeting soon. It will bring together Students’ Union officers, student experience and wellbeing experts, and university leadership. This group will be exploring and developing a range of initiatives to further support students who are dealing with the impact of the rising cost of living.
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.
Support on any issue
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.