The University has announced we’re putting over £1.2m worth of measures in place to help you with cost-of-living pressures.
As part of these measures we’ve:
increased our Financial Aid budget for this academic year to £1 million
put in place a new framework for Exceptional Circumstances for applications related to the cost of living. It gives more detail about what is likely to be accepted as an exceptional circumstance and what evidence you’ll need to provide
put plans in place to protect students living in University-owned accommodation from the rising costs of utilities. We’re absorbing as much of the energy price rise as we can to keep the average price rise for 2023 across University-owned accommodation to 2.3%*, which matches the latest maintenance loan increase and is well below the rate of inflation in September (10.1%). No accommodation will have a price rise above 5%.
Across all campuses students will have access to:
additional microwaves and hot water
free electronic device charging points in teaching buildings
free sanitary products - free period products are currently available at reception at Wheatley, Harcourt Hill and Headington Campuses. Free period product vending machines will be installed in the next few weeks in bathrooms across the University. The Brookes Union Caring Cupboard outside the Union’s reception, Headington Campus, also contains free sanitary products as well as condoms, free pregnancy tests and drink testing strips that can help show if a drink has been spiked.
cheaper printing - costs will be reduced by 50% for Brookes Print Anywhere
an extra More Books and More Articles campaign running 21 November to 9 December. The campaign gives students the opportunity to request a print or e-book currently available from the library or a journal article that similarly isn't held by the library. Look out for the launch in the Student News email later this month.
Other ways we’re supporting students include:
promoting more on-campus part-time jobs through the Brookes JobShop, including roles at Brookes Sport and Gather & Gather, which have both committed to use it as their preferred recruitment partner for part-time vacancies
continuing all of our student travel offers, including discounted travel with Oxford Bus Company and for eligible students an inclusive bus pass (£8 admin fee) for free daytime travel on BROOKESbus
reducing the price of launderette services in Brookes accommodation
one wash is now £1.50 (down from £3.30)
one dry is now 50p (down from £1.50)
offering 50% off selected food from Cafe Central, Headington Campus, one hour before closing, seven days a week, starting immediately
Active Start - providing complimentary off-peak Brookes gym membership for first year undergraduates until the end of January
all of our University or Faculty-funded postgraduate research students, regardless of their year of study, have been awarded the latest enhanced UK Research and Innovation bursary rates.
Support if you’re experiencing financial hardship
If you are in immediate financial difficulty, please go to our Financial Aid webpages for more information and details of how to apply for Financial Aid. In addition, the Financial Aid team holds a Zoom Room on Wednesdays at 1.00-2.00pm where the team can offer (virtual) face-to-face advice and support.
Some students studying healthcare courses are eligible for additional funding from the NHS Learning Support Fund, including financial support while on placement and a hardship fund.
Please keep talking to us so that we can understand how the cost of living is impacting you and your studies.
*excluding Cheney Student Village, which is jointly managed with UPP Ltd.