Subsidised meals, removal of library fines and support with graduation gowns, these are just some ways a Leeds university is helping its students cope with the cost of living.
Leeds Trinity University in Horsforth has invested £500,000 to support students throughout the academic year.
Part of the measures, which will come in place from November 1, also include increased access to digital loan devices, increased placement allowance to cover travel costs, cost of graduation gowns for ceremonies in December 2022 and July 2023, and a free laundry service for resident students.
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A new ‘Grub Hub’, co-owned by the Students’ union and the university, will also be launched on site as a place for students to access basic food and hygiene essentials on campus.
Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “With prices rising, we know that covering the costs of studying at university isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the Students’ Union to look at how we support our students. To that end, the University is investing more than half a million pounds to help as many students as we can through a range of support packages.
“Nothing is more important to us than the success and wellbeing of our students, and we are committed to listening hard and continuing to work with the Students’ Union to understand the impact the cost of living crisis is having on our community.”
Dr Ruth Wilson, Director of Student Support and Engagement, who chaired the University’s cost of living working group, added: “The work to develop the ‘Helping you with the cost’ support package for our students at Leeds Trinity University has been significant, and has involved rapid decision making and collaboration, so I would like to thank all members of the group who have fed into and supported this crucial support package.
“As part of this, we have also reminded students about our wider Student Support & Engagement teams, who can provide targeted support and signpost to further wellbeing, pastoral, money advice, disability services and academic skills support as needed. I would encourage all students to make the most of what’s on offer and to reach out if they ever need support, as we are here to help.”
Kelsey Howard-Matthews, President of the Leeds Trinity Students’ Union, commented: “The cost of living crisis is a very real concern for many students and we want to do everything we can to help. That’s why we have worked closely with the University to explore ideas and shape the ‘Helping you with the cost’ package that’s now been launched at Leeds Trinity, and it’s positive to see the investment the University is making. At LTSU, we are here for you, run by you, which is why this package was influenced by students; we want to support all students to reach their potential, and we will be encouraging everyone to access the support they need to make the most of their time at university.”
Engagement with the support package will be monitored during the academic year to understand the use of the services and wider needs that may be surfaced.
Hours of Student Support have also been extended at Leeds Trinity recently, to cover 10pm to 5am, seven days a week.
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