The University of Manchester has announced special cost of living payments will be given to students this winter in a scheme worth around £7m.
Registered students will each receive a one-off 'cost of living payment', confirmed university bosses. Full-time students will receive £170 and part-time students £85, with all monies paid into their UK bank accounts.
The university, at which more than 45,000 students study, said the roll-out for payments was expected before the Christmas break, to help support students over the winter months. Bosses hailed a 'sector-leading initiative' - and also announced financial support for its staff.
In a statement, the university said: "In recognition of the significant challenges faced by students over rising costs, the University of Manchester is dedicating £9m to providing further student support, building on an initial programme of wellbeing and financial assistance provided together with the Students' Union.
"The latest package of support represents a commitment of over £7million. Further targeted support in 2023 for those most in need will be announced in due course and bring the total of committed student support to £9million.
"This sector-leading initiative is a result of ongoing discussions between the University and the Students’ Union, arising directly from student feedback and suggestions from the Executive Officers." The university said only a 'very small number' of professional level, postgraduate courses were excluded from the scheme.
Bosses said the announcement builds on existing financial support available, including increases to the university's Cost of Living Support Fund, and providing grants of up to £2,000 to students who are struggling, with an extra £2,000 for postgraduate research students who receive University of Manchester-funded stipends.
The university said it has also put in place assistance in the form of cheaper food options, free microwave and hot water facilities, free showers and free period products.
Library fines have been scrapped and free eBooks provided. The Students' Union, meanwhile, is also helping to provide free and discounted access to sports and recreation and has put on study nights with free food in a warm environment.
Sam Bronheim, Union Affairs Officer at the Students' Union, said: "We have valued collaborating with the University on this project and are glad they have listened to our ideas. With action like this, we hope students feel that, through the Students' Union, their needs have not only been heard but met by the University."
Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: "The cost of living crisis is a major concern for our students, especially at this time of year. I'm so delighted that, working closely with the Students' Union, we've been able to offer this payment.
"We also have wider support in place including wellbeing and further financial support through our Cost of Living Support fund, so would encourage any student that needs our help to please reach out.”
For staff, the university has previously announced a cost-of-living payment of £1,000 to employees up to a certain grade. The payment will be split in two parts, £500 with the November payroll and £500 in January. Graduate teaching assistants, who work variable hours, will receive a 3 per cent pay rise, it was also announced.
"The university believes that providing for this cost of living support for staff and students is the right thing to do at this very difficult time, recognising that it is an urgent priority for so many of our people," added the statement. "Inevitably, this means difficult choices are being made about other areas of planned investment for this year which will have to be reprioritised."
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