Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been working in collaboration with members of its community to hear from a wide range of voices about how it can help its staff and students with the cost-of-living crisis.
Staff, students, and members of the AUB community have been advised of the wide range of initiatives and support made available as part of a package of cost-of-living support released by the University this year.
The University has set up a Cost of Living Working Group, which includes representatives from AUBSU and the University’s International, Access and Participation, Student Services, Faith and Reflection and Student Records teams.
The intra-departmental working group has set up a toolkit to support students, including an illustrative budget planner, available via AUB’s Student Services Team. The group is using weekly engagement reports, focus groups and in-person surveys to assess where additional support could be provided.
Recently mentioned in student publication The Tab, AUB support includes use of an on-campus foodbank, the Sharing Shed, where students can collect and share essential non-perishable goods, including toiletries, foods, and supplies.
The University has set up a breakfast service via campus caterer Chartwells, whereby toast and condiments will be provided free-of-charge to all staff and students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until 10am. Value meal options have also been made available to all campus visitors during term time.
AUB Community continues to provide free-of-charge porridge outside of AUB Campus Halls on Tuesdays and Thursdays , with the University’s Faith and Reflection service offering ‘Souper Mondays’, a free soup drop-in available to all students.
Heidi Cooper-Hind, Director of Student Experience and Employability at AUB, said: “The student voice is at the heart of our Cost-of-Living planning and provision. By listening to our students, and delivering support where they need it, we hope to foster a true sense of belonging and value for all members of our community, easing some of the difficulties which are being experienced.”
AUB Students’ Union AUBSU have also issued free period products in AUB facilities across the University campus and Halls of Residence. To save on heating and energy costs as the crisis took hold in late 2022, AUB welcomed students to campus spaces during the festive period. The University recently became a registered Foodbank Voucher Centre to offer a point of access for this community resource.
University print costs have also been reduced to help with student costs and a wide range of funding support is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students via AUB’s Student Advice team.
More information can be found via AUB’s Student Support and Wellbeing and Support pages, including advice and guidance on cost-of-living, as well as further information on cost-of-living activities taking place on campus.
