How Bristol’s universities are supporting students amid the cost of living crisis

The effects of the cost of living crisis are being felt far and wide, especially as the weather gets increasingly colder.

Both of the city’s universities have services in place to support their students through these financially difficult times. Including free meals, free period products and free fitness activities.

Amy Peckham is a second-year student studying forensic science at UWE. She said reached a point where she considered dropping out of university due to her financial situation.

After discovering the support on offer for students at her student’s union, some of her money worries were lifted when it came to affording to pay bills and eat.

Amy, a second-year student, has benefitted from UWE’s free meal scheme – photo: Amy Peckham

Amy benefits from UWE’s free hot meal scheme and called it “incredibly important”, she said: “As someone who’s accessed the support provided by UWE’s Student Union, I cannot express enough how helpful it has been.

“I was in a really difficult situation at the beginning of the year, to the point where I was actually having to consider dropping out due to a lack of financial stability, until being walked through all of the support that has been put in place for students.

“The free meal scheme is one that’s incredibly important, it helps to remove that worry about trying to weigh up whether you do a bare bones food shop and risk being unable to pay your bills, or pay your bills and be unable to pay for food.

“This cost-of-living crisis is something that is affecting everyone, including those we look to for financial support, so knowing that the university has such a wide range of support available relieves stress for both students and caregivers.

“I cannot thank the SU President, Rania, enough for bringing my attention to these schemes.”

UWE is providing students with hundreds of servings of free hot meals each week from its Students’ Union café on a first come first served basis.

Staff are encouraging students to bring Tupperware so they can save a portion for another day.

Amy branded UWE’s free hot meal scheme “incredibly important” – photo: UWE

A spokesperson from UWE, said: “We recognise that the colder months are likely to be difficult for many and we are committed to doing all we can to help our university community face the challenges ahead.

“The free meals provision is one part of a package of support services and financial benefits we offer to both staff and students.”

The University of Bristol is supporting students through the cost of living crisis with cheap meals throughout the week, including £1 soup and a roll, a £2 hot lunch and £2 jacket potato and beans.

Free sustainable period products are also available for students at its student’s union toilets and its Clifton and Langford campuses.

Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, said: “We are acutely aware of the effects of the rising cost-of-living on our community and have been working with Bristol SU to implement a range of measures.

“To help students who are struggling this year, we have increased the amount we have available in our Financial Assistance Fund from £600,000 to £1million, and our £100,000 Digital Support Fund continues to help students with the cost of IT equipment and connectivity.

“We’ve simplified and streamlined the way students can get financial support to ensure they get the help they need as quickly as possible, with Financial Assistance Funding normally paid within 48 hours. This has been communicated to students from the start of term and we strongly encourage anyone who is struggling to apply.

“In addition, the number of affordable rooms available in our residences has increased and we have done a lot of work around making costs more transparent so that students can set clear ‘caps’ on the amount they can afford to pay.

“Other measures include free fitness and activity classes, budget food options in cafes, and discounted sports memberships for students eligible for a bursary. For those looking for part-time employment, we are also increasing the number of jobs available at the University.

“If you are struggling with money, or want some advice, please do reach out and speak to someone. We have specialist teams available, and you can discuss your situation in confidence with them.”

One of the cheap meals on offer at The University of Bristol is rice, fajita spiced veggies and slaw – photo: The University of Bristol

Bristol SU student living officer, Izzy Russell said: “The cheaper meals initiative has gone down really well with students.

“We know there is a high level of demand for the meals in the Balloon Bar, and we’re working with the University to make sure there are similar options available in the centre of campus. This should be happening soon.”

Main photo: UWE

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