The Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) has introduced a range of initiatives to support students with the current cost of living.
During a recent Speak Week survey held by SUBU, over 97% of students were worried about how the cost of day-to-day living is affecting them.
As money remains a concern for most university students, SUBU have implemented a range of services to support those who may be facing financial challenges.
Community Kitchen
Located on the second floor of The Student Centre, the Community Kitchen is open to all BU students and staff to use throughout the year. Its main purpose is to help those who are unable to afford daily essentials, such as food or sanitary products.
The open shelves and fridge are regularly stocked with food donations so that visitors can take what they need.
Free pantry packs
SUBU Advice can provide free pantry packs to students who need short-term food supply. Items include tea and coffee, tinned fruit and vegetables, rice, and pasta, as well as a food voucher to support any additional purchases. SUBU Advice can also provide students with bedding, duvets, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products.
Students can claim their pantry pack by reaching out to the SUBU Advice team at www.subu.org.uk/advice.
Free Breakfast Club
Cereal dispensers have now been installed in the Community Kitchen on Talbot Campus, and in BG301 in the Bournemouth Gateway Building on Lansdowne Campus. These are free and available to use every day.
In addition to cereal, there is one other dispenser in the Community Kitchen filled with pasta. Students and staff are encouraged to take what they need and to be mindful of others who may not have access to food.
Community Kitchen Monthly Supper Club
Introduced during the last academic year, the Students’ Union will continue to host their monthly supper clubs. Students will receive a free hot meal to either eat and enjoy with others in the Community Kitchen, or to take home and freeze.
The Supper Club works on a first come first served basis. All Bournemouth University students will need to book their place through the What’s On page on the SUBU website.
Cheap Eats Tuesdays
Students can purchase a hearty evening meal each Tuesday during term-time for just £3.
At Dylan’s Kitchen & Bar, based on Talbot Campus, students can enjoy one classic dish between 4pm-9pm at a reduced rate. The meal will change each week, and will include homemade options such as a cottage pie and lasagne.
Fatima Farha, Vice President Welfare & Community at the Students’ Union, has said: “The cost of living remains a significant concern for lots of our students, so we’ve introduced some further initiatives this academic year to support those most in need.
“If any of our students are worried about their financial circumstances or mental health, we would encourage them to speak with our Advice team. They can signpost students to the relevant support services and provide them with the help they need.”
The Students’ Union can offer free and impartial advice for all Bournemouth University students, no matter what their money troubles.
SUBU Advice are located on the second floor of The Student Centre, Talbot Campus. They also run a drop-in service on the third floor of Bournemouth Gateway Building, Lansdowne Campus every Thursday.
To find out more about SUBU Advice and to book an appointment, visit www.subu.org.uk/advice.
For hints and tips around cost-of-living support, visit our Cost-of-Living Support Hub at subu.org.uk/costofliving.