Students are facing a cost of living crisis and we’re here to help.
As we begin the run up to the festive period, we know that the cost of living crisis is at the forefront of our students’ minds. Here at ARU Students’ Union, it’s one of our top priorities. In the coming months, we’ll continue to lobby the University for support for students and we’ll be looking at the actions we can take to better support you.
Our campuses are at the heart of what we do, so let’s explore some of the things currently on offer to support you this year…
Food
At The Eatery in Cambridge and ???????Rivermead Restaurant in Chelmsford, you can enjoy a selected hot main meal for £1 every lunchtime. If you don't fancy the meal on offer, you can also get soup and bread for £1.
At Wirrina Cafe in Peterborough, you can get a selected sandwich, wrap or salad and a piece of fruit for £1 every lunchtime.
In your SU Spaces (Peter Taylor House – Cambridge, Tindal Building – Chelmsford & University House – Peterborough) we’re working with the University to provide free soup, porridge and fruit. Head over to the space and help yourself to what you need.
Spaces
Speaking of your SU spaces, did you know that these spaces are available to use in the evenings and on weekends? Our cambridge space is open 7am-11pm and our Chelmsford space is open 24/7.
These spaces exist for you, our students. They have lots of comfortable seating, kettles and microwaves, and charging points for all your devices. These spaces act as work and social environments for you to study or hang out with friends, so come in and say hi!
Things to do & Places to go
As your SU, we run a variety of events all year round. Most of which are free to attend and take part. Last month we ran a pumpkin carving and movie night complete with classic movie night snacks. Next month, we’ll be getting ready for Christmas so join us for some free festive cheer. There will of course be some festive snacks on offer! Keep an eye on the What’s on calendar to find out more.
For our paid events, we are working hard to ensure that there are 2 free spaces on each of these trips. These will be available for all students who may not be able to cover the cost of a ticket. Events that have free spaces available will be marked on the calendar. You’ll just need to email us on inclusion@angliastudent.com to claim one of the spaces.
Our societies often run free events on our campuses that are open to all students. Keep an eye out for posters or check our what’s on calendar to find out more.
Looking after you and your health
The University are providing free sanitary products in all bathrooms on campus. If the bathroom you’re using doesn’t have any available, head over to the SU to report the issue and we’ll make sure you have everything you need.
Have you met your Peer Wellbeing Mentors? They’re here to help you get the most out of your ARU experience as well as offer advice about anything, university related or not. They also host lots of fun activities throughout the month which are free to take part in. The Peer Mentors spend their evenings in the SU spaces (Cambridge & Chelmsford) and a full list of their activities can be found on the What’s on calendar.
Is there something else we or the University could be doing to better support your wellbeing? Let us know! Contact your Officer team who will be happy to help.