Cost of Living support for UoB Students

We know many of you may be feeling worried about the rising cost of living and managing your money at University.

Working with the Guild of Students we’re committed to supporting the student community with some practical changes and initiatives, in response to your feedback, to help reduce some of your costs and worries. You can learn more about how we can help over on our Cost of Living support page.

From accessing free period products, to our new Community Store, here’s a reminder of support, advice and guidance to help you feel in control of your money.

• Free period products: You can now pick up free environmentally friendly period products including tampons and sanitary towels on campus from the Aston Webb Student Hub, the Guild of Students, or Westmere House. More information including opening hours can be found in this news story.
• Casual jobs on campus: Did you know that there’s casual employment opportunities on campus? Worklink connects students with paid casual work that you can fit around your studies. You can also find and apply for job opportunities at the Guild of Students.
• £1 bus fare: University staff and students, and NHS staff can travel by bus for just £1. 'The Hop!' £1 fare will be available from any stop between Selly Oak and the city centre, in either direction, for bus numbers 61, 63, X21 and X22. Remember to take your University ID card with you, as you will need to show it to the bus driver to receive the special fare.
• Community Store: Head to University Centre on campus to visit Food Fellows’ new ‘Community Store’ – a cashless outlet for staff and students. While stock changes almost daily, here you'll find cut-price loose fruit and veg, plus tons of discounted cupboard essentials, so you can save on your shopping while at uni. The store is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10am – 2pm), but please note the store is now closed for Easter and will reopen on Monday 17 April. 
• 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’s Community Pantry is there to support you by providing a free one-off food parcel. 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.
• Study spaces available on campus: We have invested in more study spaces on campus including the JG Smith Building so you can work from these spaces rather than working from home. 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.
• Free access to utilities on campus - this handy page on the student intranet provides a list of places on campus where you can refill your water bottle, access microwaves, and free hot water. Food Fellows is also bringing micro markets - new self-service vending machines with a convenient microwave and hot water tap - to colleges across campus. Keep an eye out on your Student News for updates or follow @uobfoodfellows on Instagram.

Mental health and wellbeing support

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, worried, or down, about the cost of living, we want you to know that you don’t need to struggle on your own. If financial worry has started to negatively impact your everyday life, you can always reach out to any of our Wellbeing teams and Services including UB Heard. You can learn more about our services on our Wellbeing section of the student intranet.