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Findings

Our research survey in October-November last year gave us insight into what concerns you have, and how the Cost of Living crisis is affecting you.

There was the critical need to also examine the demographics to identify those likely to be most negatively affected and at were high risk so that a tailored support could be offered to ease the compounding pressure and effect for affected groups.

Our findings have been collated, and we have used these to make some recommendations to the University to address the cost of living crisis. We have also used the results to develop our own work around what we’re doing to support students and advocate on their behalf.

Click here to see some key statistics from the research

(infographic in PDF format, opens in same window)

Click here to read the full report

(Word document in PDF format, opens in same window)

 
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Recommendations for the University

We have made a list of ideas and actions for the University to adopt to help ease the cost of living crisis for students. These are grouped under three key themes - Cost reduction, Employment and Employability and Hidden costs. 

We've already started working with the University on some of these recommendations and we'll update on progress soon  

Cost reduction

  • Continue the already in motion audit of course costs to ensure that students know their costs at the point of application, and where possible provide equipment from the outset.
  • Reduce equipment needed to complete a programme where possible. Removes the barrier to non-EU international students accessing the Digital Access Bursary.
  • Ensure all details about costs of being at University are reviewed annually and updated in line with inflation.
  • Reviews transport costs within the University’s remit, and reduce where possible (e.g. on the intercampus bus)
  • Where applicable, source short-term housing for students living elsewhere on placement whilst they study on campus.
  • Providing a hot meal for less than £2 on each campus every day.
  • Review the number of days students need to spend on their campus to reduce gaps and reduce transport costs.
  • Reduce the amount of printing required for courses and allow for online submissions where possible.
  • Commit to providing free sanitary products in all bathrooms across campus
  • Provide childcare friendly spaces on campuses and all libraries.
  • Review the disparity in hardship funding between EEA/home students and non-EU international students and establish a fund specifically for PhD students.
  • Provide small, short-term, interest free loans to students for a sudden change in situation.

 

Employment and Employability

  • Only advertise internal or external roles that pay at least the Living Wage Foundation's London Living Wage.
  • Commit to offering an interview for part-time work to every student who wants it by 2025 with the University of a partner.
  • Review provision for PhD students to ensure that all have an opportunity to engage in paid teaching across every faculty.
  • Create additional internship and placement opportunities in the University.
  • Explore every taught programme having a credit bearing internship, placement, or industry experience.

 

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What your Union is doing

Cost reduction

  • Work with lobbying groups such as Universities Alliance to lobby TfL/GLA for further concessions on student Oyster cards, and removing the initial payment required for an 18+ Oyster card.
  • Speak to estranged students to better understand their experience of the rising costs of living.
  • Review campus provision and facilities available for student families.
  • Review the provision of kettles and microwaves in student spaces
  • Introduce a bursary for Clubs and Societies membership and equipment, ensuring these do not become a barrier to entry.

 

Employment and Employability

  • Review the affordability of paying GSU Student Staff the Living Wage Foundation’s London Living Wage.
  • Create internal internships and credit-bearing placements.
  • Adopt a guaranteed interview scheme for those with declared disability for GSU student jobs, work with the university to do the same.
  • Create additional internship and placement opportunities in the University.
  • Investigate the cost of paying Programme Reps.

 

Hidden Costs and Unexpected Costs

  • Provide information through Global Greenwich to new international students to help them avoid unexpected costs.
  • Work with the University to begin an audit of all programmes to understand equipment requirements needed to complete units. We should reduce these costs where possible and publish all potential costs at the point of application.
  • Where possible, ensure that programmes provide equipment at the outset, particularly in Education and Health Sciences.
  • Consider reducing equipment needs based on the audit.

 

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