Interactive cost of living support guide for students

An interactive leaflet highlighting ways to make savings and prevent money worries becoming financial problems has been produced by the University to support its students. 

A taskforce made up of University and RUSU representatives has collated the information, which also highlights the various ways of accessing financial support. 

The leaflet, part of a new online advice page, is intended to help students navigate the challenge of rising costs in all areas of life. It is hoped that staff will also find the leaflet a useful tool, something that could help guide conversations with students who are struggling.

The guidance for students follows recent steps the University has taken to highlight support available to staff on costs and wellbeing, including a new discounted meal initiative on campus.

Professor Elizabeth McCrum, Pro Vice Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), said: “We want our students to get the most out of their experience at Reading. We know that to do that they need to feel safe and happy, and worrying about money can make that more difficult. 

“The cost-of-living crisis is likely to be creating financial worries for more of our community than normal, so this resource is just one part of a package of increased support that the taskforce is putting in place. 

“The University is working with the Students’ Union to identify more opportunities to reduce the costs of campus life, provide expert support and emergency funds, and encourage students to ask for help before money worries become financial difficulties.” 

Colleagues can access the leaflet on the Cost of Living support page on Student Essentials and are welcome to use it to inform conversations with students or share in any other appropriate channel.