Could you convince your uni to put together a £9m support package?
That’s exactly what students at the University of Manchester did.
Those studying full-time receive a lump sum payment of £170 to cover living expenses. Part-time students get £85.
“There are students who are already struggling financially – what kind of university do we want to be?” says Robbie Beale from the student union.
Robbie says it all started in September.
“We got £100,000 for microwaves and boiling taps across campus so people can bring their own food and heat it up.
“It was just ramped up step by step.”
Tesnime Safraou, city and community officer at the university, says housing costs and bills are the big things that concern most students.
“Our helpline is flooded with requests like, ‘Where can I get help to pay my bills? I can’t even find a place to stay because it’s too expensive.”
How do the students want to use the money?
“The last couple of weeks have been pretty tough. Trying to make it to the end of the semester without running out of food,” says Ruby Prior, a 20-year-old psychology student.
“I guess I’m just grateful to have my overdraft.
“Those 170 pounds will be so useful for groceries. I bought the essentials and now I can cook properly again.”
Inflation has been a major reason for the rise in food prices – this is the rate at which prices are increasing. It has eased slightly, but inflation remains near a 40-year high.
“I think I’ll treat myself to a fried chicken. Meat is so expensive, but in the winter it’s so important to have really filling meals,” says Ruby.
Joss Ball, a 21-year-old psychology student, tells Newsbeat: “It’s definitely going to go to my savings or to my bills because my bills are so expensive next year.
“All the bills are going up, it could be £90 more a month for us.”
The National Union of Students (NUS) has previously said unions must step in to help students with rising costs.
And charities have said they are concerned poorer students will be hit harder as it becomes harder to pay for essentials.
Some universities offer help with eating, e.g. B. free breakfast or pantries where people can buy inexpensive ingredients.
Manchester University says it also plans to offer cheaper food options, free microwave and hot water facilities, showers and period products.
It previously announced a £1,000 living allowance for all staff earning less than £71,000 a year and a 3% pay rise for graduate teaching assistants.
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