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.
AUB support includes use of an on-campus Student Pantry, where students can collect and share essential non-perishable goods and household supplies. There's also the Community Island in the Refectory, where all the surplus from the University's caterer Chartwells is left for students to take, free of charge. For any students lacking inspiration for low-cost meals, they can check out AUBSU's new Cost of Living Cookbook online.
The University offers an affordable lunchtime Dish of the Day from the Refectory from 11.30–14.30. Meanwhile, the Faith and Reflection service offers ‘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. Toilets should always be stocked with these products, but if not, let AUBSU know!
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 Food Bank 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.
