Cost of Living Checklist
From learning resources to activities, transport and food – find out how you can save money whilst still making the most of your time as a student.
Community Breakfasts and dinners
We are providing free Community Breakfasts again open to all students on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am -12pm on each campus. We will also be providing free Community Dinners open to all students on Mondays and Wednesdays between 4pm - 6pm on Greenwich and Medway campus.
These meals are free, but we ask you to reserve your place by booking a ticket to manage demand. The tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Book your spot here.
Food vouchers
If you are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis and are unable to afford food, toiletries or other essential items as a result, you may be eligible to apply for a food voucher. Find out more here.
Healthy and simple recipes
Top TV chef and MasterChef judge Anna Haugh has joined the University of Greenwich and partners to put together some simple, nutritious and affordable recipes.
Finding a part-time job
The University employs student staff through the Student Ambassador Scheme. GSU also offers student jobs through their JobShop .
Free sanitary products
In collaboration with Greenwich Students’ Union, we are providing free sanitary products in Dreadnought, The Dome, Deep End and our Library buildings.
Our Libraries are ‘Fine Free’
Removing library fines is one way we are supporting you with the cost of living.
Community Support
For community support including food bank information and cost of living advice, please visit Greenwich Supports: Get help with the cost of living crisis or Food support in Medway. For national advice and support, please visit here.
Spectrum.Life
Spectrum.Life offers much more than wellbeing support. Alongside confidential 24/7 counselling and mental health resources, you can access free live and on-demand workout classes from home, nutritional advice and healthy recipes, plus a range of discounts and wellbeing tools to help you stay healthy, active and save money.
Money Advice
We offer money management and budgeting advice – find out more here. This includes free workshops with our expert Student Finance Advice team to help you take control of your finances during your studies. How to book: Complete our self-referral form to choose your preferred date. You’ll receive a Microsoft Teams invite one week before your session.
International Hardship Fund
If you are an EU National (without a maintenance loan) or an international student and experience unexpected short-term costs, you can apply for our International Hardship Fund here.
Bursaries
We also have several bursaries to support you:
- Accommodation Bursary: This is for new domestic/home undergraduate students with a low household income. We are committed to supporting students from a variety of backgrounds. As part of this commitment, the Accommodation bursary offers up to £700, equivalent to up to 10% accommodation fee discount to reduce the rent for your first-year accommodation.
- Commuter Bursary: Our commuter bursaries support students from low-income households who face challenging travel costs to attend university. The bursaries are worth 50% of your monthly commuting cost between home and university up to £1,000 per academic year.
- Digital Access Bursary: Undergraduate or Postgraduate students with low household income can apply for financial assistance of up to £300 towards equipment to support electronic learning.
- Olio: The University of Greenwich partners with Olio, a free app that helps you save money and reduce food waste by giving you access to free and discounted food from local supermarkets, as well as free items shared by people in your community.
- Student discounts: All students have access to free student discounts such as UNiDAYS, TOTUM Lite, and Student Beans. All new students will receive a free 1-year TOTUM card.
You can find a full list of our bursaries and scholarships here.
Extenuating Circumstances(ECs)
If you feel that the cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on you and your studies, you can claim for an EC stating this as a reason. More information on how to apply is available in the Digital Student Centre.
If you would like to discuss the support available, or have any other ideas or suggestions for initiatives, please contact the Student Engagement Team at student-engagement@gre.ac.uk.