We appreciate that the current increase in cost of living may impact you or people close to you in different ways. At Greenwich we are a community that supports each other – we are doubling the total funds available in our Hardship Funds, and in collaboration with Greenwich Students’ Union have developed a Cost of Living checklist with some useful tips as well as other initiatives to support you:
- 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: From 25th September 2023, we will be providing free Community Breakfasts again open to all students on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am -12pm on each campus. We will be offering toast, pastries, and cereal as well as tea/coffee. We will also be providing free Community Dinners open to all students on Mondays and Wednesdays between 4pm - 5pm 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 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.
- Extenuating Circumstances: If you feel that the cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on you and your studies, this is now an accepted reason for an EC claim. More information on the required evidence is available here.
- £3 meals: University and GSU catering outlets offer a number of £3 meal deals on all campuses.
- University cafés distribute left over food as it is available on an ad-hoc basis, this is usually about 30 minutes before the cafés close. Feel free to approach our catering teams.
- 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 going ‘Fine Free’: From 3 February we will stop charging fines for overdue books at all our libraries.
- Local food banks: We have collated information on local food banks near each campus that you can access.
- Money Advice: We offer money management and budgeting advice – find out more here.
- Hardship Funding: We provide hardship funding if you encounter sudden financial difficulties. If you are a UK National or EU National (with a maintenance loan), you can find more information about our Greenwich Hardship Fund here. If you are an EU National (without a maintenance loan) or an international student you can find out more about our International Hardship Fund here. Our Hardship Funds are now also available to postgraduate research students.
- 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.
- Energy Bill Financial Support: Undergraduate or Postgraduate students with low household income can apply for financial assistance of up to £200 one off to support with energy bills this winter.
You can find a full list of our bursaries and scholarships here.
If you have any other ideas or suggestions for initiatives, contact us on student-engagement@gre.ac.uk.