Help with the cost of living

We know that students will be facing increased costs. Here’s how the University can help.

We have increased and expanded our hardship fund arrangements. These are available to all students, including international students. If you are struggling with money please do get in contact with our Student Advice and Support Service who can help with money advice, access to the hardship fund and other support, together with impartial advice about managing other costs of living.
If you need to find work, we can help. We have pulled together most of the part-time work opportunities on campus and beyond into one place. We can help you find part-time opportunities or casual work, prepare effective CVs and applications and offer interview advice and practice. Visit the Careers Network website for details.
There are free to use IT labs across campus. We have over 2,000 machines available with software you need for your studies. If you have an urgent, short-term need for a laptop (i.e., because you are replacing or repairing yours) contact IT Services who may be able to help. Did you know that you can also download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 as part of the University’s licence?
We have study spaces available on campus, including out of hours – you can work from these spaces rather than working from home to save on the cost of power.
You can apply now to LSU’s Student Opportunities fund which helps students with the cost of LSU events, activities and membership fees so that you can still get involved and get the most out of your student experience during your time at university.

Money management

We are offering a range of money management sessions through our Student Success Academy.

These will provide tips on how to make your money go further. Further details are below, including links to book a place (you will need to log in with your student details).

SessionDate and timeHow to book

How to handle the cost-of-living crisis

This online event will give some reasons behind the cost of living crisis, along with practical tips for things you can do to minimise the impact on your finances and let you know where you can find the best support.

 Monday 20 February, 1pm - 2pm, MS Teams Book now

What to look for in workplace benefits

Are you looking for jobs and finding it tricky to decide what you are looking for from a job? Join us in a look at salary, pensions, working conditions, flexible working, perks and more as we discuss the different areas you may wish to consider before accepting a new role.

 Tuesday 14 March, 12pm - 1pm, MS Teams Book now

Credit, insurance and protecting your money with The Money Charity

This interactive face-to-face workshop will look at what students and graduates need to know about credit options, such as credit cards, mortgages, different sorts of loans and more. It will also look at protecting your money, insurance and other useful topics.

 Thursday 16 March, 12pm - 1pm, SMB.0.10 Book now

Sessions will be repeated throughout the year – more dates are available to book on Careers Online.

Reduced-cost breakfasts

The University is delighted to be offering all students – including those living off campus – and staff with cheaper breakfast alternatives.

From Tuesday 15 November, the following will be available each week day:

  • A £1 hot breakfast at Cayley Dining Hall from 8am-9.30am. This offer includes a choice of sausage, scrambled egg, baked beans, toast, as well as a selection of cereals, coffee and fresh fruit.
  • FREE cereal, fresh fruit and self-service hot drinks at the following locations on campus from 8.30am-10am: EHB Grill, Martin Hall Café, West Park Teaching Hub Café.

Additional support

Aside from this specific support we’ve also done the following to help with costs students face.

We have uplifted the stipend for Doctoral Researchers to match the UKRI uplift.
We have given students with children at our nursery a discount on the cost of childcare.
We’ve reviewed our course materials and any trip costs to keep these as low as possible. The main costs for all compulsory trips are included in your fee.
We offer free weekly sporting activities and we have frozen the membership prices for access to our gyms this year.

We are currently considering a number of additional things we might be able to do to support you and will update this site once they are in place.

What help is there if you are struggling emotionally?

We have a wide range of support available to you. If you feel that your wellbeing or studies are being impacted by financial concerns then please complete our online referral form, contact us on 01509 222765 or come and see us in the Bridgeman Building. 

Student Services