The Officer Team are really pleased to see the announcements from the university this week to support students with the cost of living crisis this academic year. 

From the first day we took up our roles we have been focused on this issue and have been proactively working with the university to prioritise financial support for students. The range of measures that have been announced show how the university is committed to supporting students and listening to the student body. 

As far as we understand this is the most comprehensive package of support announced by any universities in the UK on this issue, and the Vice-Chancellor and his senior team deserve credit for leading the higher education sector in this way. Student support and wellbeing is a priority for everyone in the Beckett community and this announcement shows this in the clearest possible terms 

We know that the measures announced will not ‘fix’ the cost of living crisis, but they will help students with key issues through the year and support students to be able to make the most their time at Leeds Beckett. Students need direct support from Government and we will be working with the NUS and other students’ unions to argue to increase student maintenance funding and to take proactive steps in the housing market to protect students’ interests. We will update you on this work as it progresses. 

The Officer Team want to hear from students about any additional ideas they have to support with the cost of living and you can contact us by filling out the form here.

Support to help students with the cost of living: 

• Rent Like most things, the cost of renting has gone up. The university absorbed 80% of the increase in accommodation costs for halls where they are the landlord, reducing the impact on students from 12.3% to 2.4%. 
• Food The university is making affordable meals available on campus every day. From Monday 3 October, there will be a £2 hot meal on the menu every day at Beckett Food outlets on campus. Follow Beckett Food for menus and offers – and for info on how to sign up for the Becket Food reward card. 
• Travel Also from Monday, a free shuttle bus will take students and staff between both Headingley and City campuses, making 13 journeys between 08:00 and 17:15. A full timetable is available. 
• Course costs The university is looking at ways to remove, reduce or subsidise extra course costs, including materials and study visits across all their courses. 
• Supporting students to earn by sticking to consistent timetables, allowing you to plan part-time work around your learning. The university is also looking at how, with your permission, they can provide hybrid options rather than asking you to come in for a single session so you can save money on travel. 
• Graduation The university don’t want the cost of graduation to put students off attending so they’re making gown rental free of charge and supplying two free tickets for friends or family to attend your ceremony. 

The university will provide updates on these initiatives and the support available to you – they will publish updates on Beckett List (weekly newsletter) as well as across all the LBU social accounts, My Beckett and the Beckett app. The Student Support and Advice Team at the uni is on hand to support you with financial information, advice, and guidance. You can also access wellbeing support.

At Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, we’re also working on our own initiatives to support students through the crisis. We will be sharing more information about this shortly so keep an eye on our channels. Currently, you can contact our LBSU Advice Service if you need confidential and independant advice on accessing support.  

Our Activities Team also have a programme of events ‘’Give it a go!’’ to allow you to socialise for free or for very little money this year. You can also book spaces in our venues to host your gatherings for free! If you want to learn more about this, contact lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.  

Our students’ union bars, The Hive, always have many cheap meal options for you to choose from. For example, you can get our panini of the day + a salad for £2.45.  

This is only the start. We want to help you as much as we can, and this will be one of our priorities this year.  

Take care,  

LBSU Officer Team x