Cost of Living

We know that this is an incredibly challenging time for all our students, and we're committed to supporting you and your needs.

That's why over the last few weeks we have been working hard to represent you to the University, ensuring they understand the financial pressure that we know you are all experiencing.

We lobbied strongly for a financial intervention package that would help and support ALL students. Last week the University announced that it will provide:

A cash payment to all students both undergraduate and postgraduate (approximately 21,400 students) of £150. This payment will be made in semester 2 and we will announce the logistical approach in due course
A cash payment of £400 to students with a household income of less than £25k (which amounts to 3,600 students)
An increased amount of funding in the Student Hardship Fund of £600k

Also as part of the package:

Library fines will be waived for the academic year
£47 Graduations fees will also be waived in December 2022 and Summer 2023. A student will still have the option to attend a post-graduation garden party at the cost of £10 per person if they would like to
Disciplinary fees will be halved - a positive first step in our long-term lobbying aim of having them abolished

Over and above this, we'll be:

Offering practical and immediate help and support:
- The Students’ Union at One Elmwood is your home from home – with lots of areas to relax, study and meet up with friends, open Mondays-Saturdays, 8am-10pm, and Sundays, 8am-6pm
- Free tea, coffee and milk is available in the SU Lounge
- Free period products in the building

The Pantry: Your Free Refill Station

- We have teamed up with the University to provide The Pantry, a free refill station located on the Ground Floor of One Elmwood.
- Products include; cereals/grains, pasta/noodles/pulses, herbs & spices and household items.

Translink yLink Card
- yLink is a smartcard for all 16-23 years olds using Translink services within Northern Ireland. You get 50% off Translink bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland and up to 50% off Enterprise – and the card is FREE!

Representing you by:
- Joining forces with our national students’ union, NUS-USI, in their ‘Cost of Survival’ campaign, calling on the NI Executive to provide:
  - Cost-of-Living Payment for all students in further and higher education
  - Rent freeze in the private sector and purpose-built student accommodation
  - Free public transport for all students, as well as fuel payments and increased mileage rates
- Lobbying the NI Executive for:
  - Distinct fuel bursary (£400 for students directly)
  - Changes in landlords’ responsibility to create energy efficient homes
Giving you helpful tools and advice about managing your money and making savings where possible, like free access to interactive learning platform Blackbullion
Promoting the financial support that may be available to you including:
- Foodbanks
- Student support funds
- Benefits
Encouraging you get involved in our campaign
Asking for your ideas/feedback as to how we can help students during this time