Cost of living: an update and next steps 👇
JMSU surveyed students in Induction Week to identify their top three cost of living priorities for this year, which were determined as Transport, Accommodation, and Food.
We will maintain our efforts to gauge student perspectives throughout the year.
Your Student Officers have signed NUS’ open letter to the Chanellor requesting more targeted support for students from the Government - you can get involved with NUS’ campaign by signing the petition.
- Working with LJMU to provide a series of free student lunches across the academic year
- Providing free Give it a Go sessions – ie The BIG night in, FIFA World Cup nights, and Christmas wreath making
- Holding Clothes Swap events
- Continuing to hold events and volunteering opportunities across campus e.g. Unplugged Wirral Workshop (Parents & Carers) and Porridge Party
- Working with LJMU catering to develop and promote its food offer
- Continuing to work with LJMU to provide free period products in toilets across campus
What's next?
We know there is more work to be done, and we are working closely with the University to increase and improve support for all LJMU students as a result of the crisis. In terms of our next steps, we have used your survey feedback to create a list of asks from the University, across five key themes.
Improve academic support
- Shaq's study spot is set to launch at the end of November, providing students with a dedicated space for studying. This initiative stems from feedback received last year, indicating a shortage of study areas on campus. The spot will offer hot drinks and snacks to enhance the study experience.
- We plan to distribute wellbeing packs to students during the assessment season.
Put money into students pockets
- More paid opportunities are now available for students, with 23 volunteer roles transitioning into paid positions, including senior reps and community leaders.
- JMSU Officers have submitted a paper to ELT, proposing support for transport costs.
Reduce student costs
- JMSU will host Make do and Mend workshops.
- JMSU will ensure that events remain free for all attendees. Additionally, we will be introducing 'Wellbeing Wednesday' activities, creating a regular space for students to participate in activities that promote mental and emotional wellbeing.‌
Enhance advice and guidance
- Collaborative promotional videos by JMSU and LJMU will highlight the array of services offered, such as academic achievement resources, SAW, and ISLPs, along with a focus on disability support.
- Alexandria has recently crafted an informative "Know Your Rights" booklet to provide advice and guidance to students.
Create a Home from Home
- Officers have received £10k funding to support a JMSU Community Kitchen initiative. In December, JMSU social spaces will have options available for students to make a hot drink or grab some soup.
Helpful services
We will continue to work closely with LJMU to explore the feasibility of these requests and update you on our progress. In the meantime, should you need support dealing with the effects of the Cost of Living, please make use of the services available to you:
JMSU Advice service
LJMU Student Support Services
LJMU Student Support Fund
For further information on our Cost of Living work, you can also reach out to our Student Officer team or contact them via Twitter: @JMSU_Officers
