In November the University 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:
- 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 now 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 are being installed 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 have been reduced by 50% for Brookes Print Anywhere
- More Books and More Articles returns from 13 February to 28 April. 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.
Other ways we’re supporting students include:
- promoting more on-campus part-time jobs through the Brookes JobShop, which is currently advertising on-campus roles for Student Ambassadors, a Student Access and Participation Consultant and a yoga teacher (deadlines range from 20 February)
- 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
- a reduced price for launderette services in Brookes accommodation
- one wash is £1.50 (down from £3.30)
- one dry is 50p (down from £1.50)
- offering 50% off selected food from Cafe Central, Headington Campus, one hour before closing, seven days a week
- Active Start - giving all first-year undergraduate students free off-peak access to the Brookes Sport gym facilities at Headington and Harcourt Hill Campuses for the entirety of their first semester of study (for January 2023 starters that's up to and including Wednesday 31 May 2023)
- 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.