Making it Happen: Cost of Living support

As the cost of living in the UK is increasing, many of us are worried about the impact it will have on our finances and wellbeing. In the first of our cost of living support updates we have some news on ways in which we are supporting the student community with some practical changes and initiatives, in response to your feedback, to help reduce some of your costs.   

In our next update we will be focussing on the additional financial support that's available from both the University and The Guild of Students – you can find more information on our new Support with living costs intranet pages.

Cost of Living Support: Making it Happen...

• Warm study spaces: We have invested in more study spaces on campus including the JG Smith Building. These spaces are warm, have free WIFI access, comfortable seating for individual or group work, and power supplies so you can recharge your devices. We also have blankets you can borrow whilst studying in the Main Library (if you want to be even warmer). Find them on each level of the Main Library by the lifts. We're also introducing free to use mobile charging lockers in selected locations on campus so you can juice up your smartphone in one of these secure lockers while you study, eat, workout or go for a walk…
• Meal deals:  You told us you wanted more affordable food options on campus and we have delivered some big changes! You can now grab a sandwich (including more veggie, vegan, and halal options), a hot or cold drink and a snack for £4.00 at selected Food Fellows Outlets including Library Café, Med School, Metro University Centre, Teaching and Learning Building and others - just look out for the £4.00 MEAL DEAL sign. You can now get a tea or coffee for £1.50 at our meal deal outlets, and hot food meal deals are also available in the Library Café, Med School Café and Campus infusion.  
• Vending machines and microwaves:  In response to your feedback we have added some extra microwave stations across campus, new vending machines, and free hot/cold water taps. These are great if you want to bring meals from home and enjoy them hot, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and eat it in any of our social spaces and food areas.
• Collect rewards through Yoyo: Get discounts on food and drink across the University with our FREE Yoyo Wallet loyalty app. The points soon add up and you can use them to collect money-off vouchers to spend on campus. It’s really easy to use - download the free app from your App Store by searching for Yoyo Wallet, sign up, add find UoB from the list, and get started.
• Too Good to Go: We’re fighting food waste by teaming up with online platform ‘Too Good to Go’. This free app lets you buy food (i.e. Magic Bags) that would otherwise go to waste at a great price. Download the free app and buy your Magic Bag - available from the Library Café (while stocks last). You won’t know what’s exactly in your order until you pick it up – it’s all part of the surprise – but it will be at a great price.
• Community Pantry: If you’re struggling to buy food, the Guild of Students new Community Pantry is there to support you by providing a free one-off food parcel. Located in the Guild of Students, food parcels are discreetly packaged and provide you with emergency food for up to 5 days. Book a collection slot through the Guild website as well as information on how to donate or volunteer.

Your Health & Wellbeing

We're absolutely here to help, and you can always contact someone if you need support.

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or down, about the cost of living, we want you to know that you don’t struggle on your own.  You can always reach out to any of our Wellbeing teams and Services  Learn more about our services on our Wellbeing pages on the intranet.

And finally, did you know…  As a student some of you may be entitled to full or partial exemption from NHS prescription costs? Use the eligibility checker to check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs.

Keep an eye on our student communication channels for more information to come on all of the ways we are supporting the student community with the increase cost of living.