Two students posing, one wearing an outfit that says 'cost of living' and the other wearing a giant pair of scissors

Cost of Living Learning

Helping you with the cost of living

Here at JMSU, we recognise that the Cost-of-Living Crisis is disproportionately affecting students throughout the UK. That’s why we’re calling this the Cost of Learning Crisis! 

From rent, commuting and household bills to food costs and a depreciating maintenance loan, the pressure on student’s money has never been bigger.  

That’s why we’ve developed a campaign aimed at supporting LJMU students throughout the academic year. Follow the links below to find out how we are working with the university to increase your access to food, help you support your loved ones, and keep money in your pocket! 

Got some feedback or an idea?

Submit some feedback on our website and make change happen at LJMU.

Submit your feedback

Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis each month, so keep an eye on our webpage and social media to claim yours. 

Fill Your Fridge 

Living in student halls or private accommodation? Struggling with household bills and rising food costs? 

JMSU has launched a brand-new campaign aimed at getting food in your fridge and more money in your pocket! 

Each month, we’ll be distributing food shopping vouchers to LJMU students worth £15 per person. All you have to do is fill in the form and apply below:  

Apply for vouchers 

Half Term Hampers 

Calling all Parents and Carers! 

At JMSU, we recognise that the cost of learning squeeze is having a particular impact on students who are parents or carers. During half term, when free school meals aren’t as easily available, that squeeze becomes even tighter.  

If you are a parent or carer and a student of LJMU, you qualify for one of our Half Term Hampers! 

To apply, simply follow the link and complete the form and we’ll be in touch.  

Apply for a Half Term Hamper 

Distribution Dates

The Hampers will be available for collection on the dates listed below, but remember you must apply for one first! 

  • w/c: 21st October 
  • w/c: 9th Dec 
  • w/c: 10th Feb 
  • w/c: 31st March 
  • w/c: 19th May 

Parents and Carers Students’ Community 

Did you know we also have a dedicated community for our Parent and Carer students?

Join the community

Boost Your Budget!

Last year, we asked you what support you felt students needed most during the cost of learning crisis. Whilst many of you wanted us to continue to offer support in the form of vouchers and food giveaways, all of which you can still find here, a huge percentage of our students felt that advice managing their money would go a long way.  

And we have listened!  

We will be running budgeting support sessions throughout the academic year to help you manage your money and make sure your student loan goes that little bit further.  

Book your spot for the dates below

  • 11th October 
  • 20th January 
  • 11th April  

The Student Money Manual

The Money Charity have put together an essential guide for managing your money at university.

It’s an interactive workbook which covers everything from understanding student finance and managing household bills, to finding student-friendly work and opening a savings account.  

Download the manual

Save The Student 

Save The Student has an in-depth guide on everything student money.

Whether it’s creating weekly budgets, learning how to set-up household bills, or budgeting so you can still spend on the fun stuff, they’ve got you covered.

How to budget at university

Money Helper 

The Money Helper is a free and impartial service helping people of all ages get their money under control.

Simply follow the link below, and within a few easy steps you’ll have a breakdown of your costs and spending in easily digestible charts.

Free online budget planning tool

Further Support 

We also understand that all the budgeting in the world sometimes isn’t enough and that a little extra support might be needed too.

If you need more help, both JMSU and LJMU are always on hand.  

  • Visit our main Cost of Learning page to read about more support or contact studentvoice@ljmu.ac.uk if you need any further info.  

  • You can also reach out to the Money Advice Team for more help on working, budgeting, household bills and so much more. You can also access further financial support via the Student Support Fund, and can find out more by contacting them below: 

Drop-in sessions: Available at the Student Life Building Monday to Friday between 10am-4pm.  

Email: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk  

Telephone: 0151 231 3153 or 0151 231 3154 

Assessment Week Energy 

We will be distributing snacks and energy bars during assessment weeks in January, April and May to help keep you going whilst studying for exams!  

Keep an eye out for us in libraries and social spaces and help yourself! 

We also have plenty of support available throughout the academic year to help with your health and wellbeing for when things get stressful.  

Mental health and wellbeing support 

Laundry and Hygiene Giveaways 

JMSU is supporting LJMU Student Advice & Wellbeing in giving away free laundry and hygiene products to help you save when things are getting tight.  

We’ve got you covered throughout the academic year, just see below for dates! 

Giveaways 

  • Tuesday 24th September, James Parsons  
  • Tuesday 22nd October, SLB 
  • Tuesday 26th November, James Parsons 
  • Tuesday 11th February, SLB 
  • Monday 10th March, James Parsons 

There’s no need to book, just turn up to claim your free products! 

If you need to know anything more, email us at studentvoice@ljmu.ac.uk, or the Money Advice Team at moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk.  

LJMU Services  

Money Advice Team

The Money Advice Team are on hand to offer dedicated financial support to LJMU students.

Get money advice

Contact the Money Advice Team

Drop-in sessions: Available at the Student Life Building Monday to Friday between 10am-4pm.  

Email: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk

Telephone: 0151 231 3153 or 0151 231 3154 

Student Support Fund

Did you know, as a student at LJMU you could be eligible for further financial support through the Student Support fund?  

Find out more by heading to the link below: 

Learn about the Student Support Fund

Student Advice & Wellbeing 

Student Advice and Wellbeing are on hand to provide tailored support to each individual student at LJMU.  

Contact studentsupport@ljmu.ac.uk to find out more.

LJMU Student Support

LJMU Catering  

LJMU Catering offer a number of discounts at the CORE Cafes around campus.

From Too Good To Go, to meal deals and discount hot drinks, there’s always savings to be made.  

CORE on campus