Cost of Living
Cost of Living
At SUSU we’re here to help you with the cost of living during your studies. Whether it’s finding ways to save money or finding places to get support, this is the place to start!
Visit the University’s online cost of living hub to find out more about support offered for finances, health & wellbeing, food & shopping, study spaces, answers to your frequently asked questions, and more: Cost of Living online hub.
SUSU Food For All
We have set up SUSU Food For All for any students who may need support in keeping your cupboards stocked this year. We provide tinned, dry and long-lasting food, as well as menstrual products, and this is available for any student to come and collect for free. We'll also provide hot drinks and biscuits here. Find SUSU Food For All in our Welfare Room next to The Advice Centre (Level 3, Building 40). It's open Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.
The Advice Centre
The Advice Centre is a free, confidential advice service for students, who are independent from the University. We are here to help you get the right support, at the right time, and can advise you on housing, financial and academic issues you may be facing. Our team are available Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.
Russell Group Students' Unions: Student Cost of Living Report
Research found in the Student Cost of Living Report, carried out by Russell Group Students’ Unions, details the impact of the cost of living crisis on students at Russell Group universities. The survey of 8,800 university students is the largest study on financial pressures currently facing students to date.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
One of our Advice Centre specialist areas is financial support, and we have a trained debt and money adviser available to speak to students. You can also find guides to finance issues such as funding for AHPs, Postgraduate Loans and information on how the University can support you on our Finance Guides page.
The Student Support Fund is available from the University, designated to help students that find themselves in unexpected financial hardship. Applications are open for the 22/23 academic year. Find out more on the University’s Student Support Fund page.
On the University’s Cost of Living online hub you can take a look at all the support the University and SUSU are offering in one place, including financial support, health & wellbeing support, and frequently asked questions.
Looking to open a student bank account but not sure which bank to go with, or how to apply? Save the Student have created a guide to the best student bank accounts 2022, which explains how a student account differs from a regular account, overdrafts, credit ratings and more.
Looking for a part-time, flexible job alongside your studies? We’ve increased the variety of Support Staff roles available to students at SUSU, and students will now receive the minimum wage rate for those aged 21 and over, regardless of your age. Take a look at the roles you can currently apply for on our Jobs page.
Looking for advice on how to create a budget for yourself? The Step Change website has an easy step-by-step guide to making your own budget, and a template you can download.
WELLBEING SUPPORT
Wellbeing Wednesdays
Every Wednesday we are providing free soup, hot drinks, biscuits and a support drop-in at The Advice Centre. No appointment needed, just come along to chat to us and/or collect your soup. We're open 13:00 - 16:00 every Wednesday.
University Wellbeing Support
The University offer a range of wellbeing support for students, including a 24/7 team, wellbeing chats, self-help resources. They also offer a Faith and Reflection Centre, and a Student Disability and Inclusion Team.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
The NHS offers a free prescription service for low-income earners, which includes students. You can find out more about how to apply for this on the NHS website.
At The Shop we’re always looking for ways to help students save! We’ve recently lowered the price of our meal deal: enjoy a main, snack and drink for just £3.75. We also sell feminine hygiene products at cost price.
Hot showers are available for free on Level 1 of Building 42, in the sports changing rooms.
The BBC Food website has lots of great ideas & recipes for budget-friendly meals, including easy one-pot meals, £1 meals, meals for groups and meals for one person.
The Round About Cafe (Westfield Corner, Southampton SO18 2LE) runs a community pantry open Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 14:00. The pantry is a membership-based scheme, with an annual £1 fee. Once you’ve joined, you will be able to access food and some household goods once a week.
