COST OF LIVING

THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS IMPACTING US ALL

 

In almost every aspect of life costs are going up while access to money isn’t increasing.

While we can’t change the national crisis on our own, we want to do everything we can to help you get through the coming months and succeed at the University of Essex.

With this in mind, the University and Student’s Union have been working urgently together to create a package of support.

And so far we’ve announcing the following steps that we will take to help support you and every student at Essex during this unprecedented time.

Given the scale of the challenge that we face and the speed in which we’ve had to move in order to provide this support, it means that not everything that we have announced today will be ready by the time you finish reading this message. However, as soon as it is operationally possible to implement the measure it will be done.

If you need urgent support - contact SU Advice at: suadvice@essex.ac.uk

THE STEPS WE’RE TAKING…

 

INCREASED FINANCIAL SUPPORT

In response to the scale of this crisis we’ve substantially increased the financial support available through the hardship fund. Last year the fund provided students with £489k, this year we’re expanding the total funding available to £1.5 million.

We’ve also made the application process much simpler and removed barriers that may have prevented members from applying previously. You can apply multiple times up to a maximum award of £1,500 for the year.

Find out more here.

WIDENING THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE

The cost of living crisis is affecting almost every part of student life.

So, we’re significantly increasing what our hardship fund covers to include;

  • Food costs
  • Assistance with travel
  • Course costs
  • Childcare
  • Accommodation
  • Energy costs
  • Sports and society membership cost
  • IT equipment

We’ve also made the application process much simpler and removed barriers that may have prevented members from applying previously. You can apply multiple times up to a maximum award of £1,500 for the year.

Find out more here.

MAKING SUPPORT MORE ACCESSIBLE

For many, seeking financial support can be an admission of failure.

But this crisis is unavoidable, so we’re working together to make sure that our financial support is more widely understood, relevant and accessible to any student struggling.

CHEAPER GROCERIES

We’ve been looking at how we can help counteract rising supermarket costs for our students.

Using our ability to buy in bulk, the SU will be launching SU Basics: your pop-up market, offering a range of essential products at significantly reduced prices. The pop up market will run 11am-2pm from Monday 28th November outside Everything Essex.

subsidised hot food

We want to make sure that all students have access to affordable hot food options, so we’ve introduced daily hot meals for £2 in all Essex Food outlets on-campus.

Read more about the £2 Daily Hot Meals here.

Free food meet-ups

Being together and supporting each other has never been so important.

To bring students together the SU will run SU Eat & Meet events offering free food in warm spaces.

promoting free events & activities

We want to make sure students have access to activities where cost isn’t a barrier. We’ll be promoting a wide range of free events from meet-ups and art and crafts to cinema screenings and nights out.

See What’s On this week.

removing the cost of resit fees

A student’s financial situation shouldn’t impact on their progression.

So we’re removing the fees for compulsory reassessment in 2022-23.

paying the voluntary living wage for student jobs

Together we employ over 1000 students across our campuses.

We’re fast-tracking the introduction of the Voluntary Living Wage for all students working for the University and the Students’ Union.

LATEST NEWS

 
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In case you missed it, the government’s Energy Support Scheme means you may be entitled to a one-off support payment or credit from energy suppliers...

 
SU Eat & Meet: free hot meal meet-up

Find out more about your free weekly hot meal meet-up!

 
Introducing SU Basics: helping you save £££S on essentials

We're pleased to announce that we'll be launching SU Basics: a cheap pop-up market where you can buy all of your essentials from Monday 28th November.

 
SU Student Pantry

We've launched the SU Student Pantry in SU Reception; a range of FREE essential products from pasta to toothpaste. Take what you need, no questions asked.

 
£2 Daily Hot Meals

Have you checked out the daily £2 hot meals on campus yet? From a Canteen breakfast to daily subs in Zest and vegan options in Stem & Root, there's something to tickle every taste bud!

 
Best Warm Study Spaces on Campus

As the days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer, you may be wondering where you can go to study on campus while keeping warm and cosy...

 
Cost of Living Crisis

The Cost of Living crisis is something that is impacting us all. While we can’t change the national crisis on our own, we want to do everything we can to help you get through the coming months and succeed at the University of Essex.