Have your say on the priorities that matter most to you

In December, students from across the University came together at the first Student Assembly to talk honestly about their experiences. Alongside the insight we've been gathering over the first semester, those conversations helped identify six key areas that students are facing right now.

We are now asking you to help decide what the Students' Union should focus on next and what priorities we move forward with in the New Era.

Voting runs from 12th January to 31st January

What you are voting on:

Based on student discussions, six priority areas were identified:

  • Cost of living and studying
  • Access and disability support
  • Placements
  • Facilities
  • Teaching
  • Timetabling

Your vote will help narrow these down to three priorities that will shape the Students' Union's campaigning and influence work.

All priorities remain important. However, the top three will be the focus of the SU’s available resources, while the remaining three can continue to move forward with the support and involvement of students.

Your stories matter

Voting is only part of the process. The comments section of our voting system is just as important

We want to hear:

  • What your experience has been
  • How these issues affect you day to day
  • What you think needs to change
  • Any ideas or solutions you would like the University or Students' Union to explore

Comments are anonymous to other students, but staff can see who has written them so we can offer support if needed.

Once you've voted, share this with your coursemates and communities.

What happens next

Once voting closes on 31st January, the top three priorities will be confirmed.

Thank you for taking the time to vote and share your story.

If you have any questions, contact us at suinformation@lancashire.ac.uk or message us on social media @lancashire_su

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  • 130 up votes 0 down votes
    130 voters

    Theme: Finance (Cost of living and studying)

    Submitted 1 month ago by Steph Lomas
    Current
      5comments

      Theme: Finance (Cost of living and studying)

      We've been listening to Students, and we shared this listening at the assembly…

      “I only have £80 left from my Master’s loan after paying fees and accommodation. How am I supposed to live on that?”

      “Placement travel is costing me more than I can afford.”

      “Emergency funding has such strict criteria, hardly anyone is eligible.”

      “Vet school is financially impossible. Placements, travel, accommodation… none of it is affordable.”

      “Food poverty is real. Essentials Hub is the only thing getting me through.”

       

      We've heard this at the Students Assembly…

      Student 1 – International Student

      Masters international students were not informed of tuition fee deadline early enough. They are struggling to pay for their tuition fees due other costs of living expenses. They want to get more information on deadlines and earlier notification in order to prepare for this deadline.

      Student 2 - SU Rep

      Masters international students were not informed of tuition fee deadline early enough. They are struggling to pay for their tuition fees due other costs of living expenses. They want to get more information on deadlines and earlier notification in order to prepare for this deadline.

      Student 2 - SU Rep

      Cost of living should be a major focus for SU, as students of all demographics struggle with a rapid rise in prices and fees. Specifically, Masters students face financial challenges due to single student finance payments, which leave low maintenance finances after paying for the tuition fee. Thus, masters students are struggling to pay for food.

      Student 3 – Law Postgraduate Student

      Have to pay for three semesters; however, no teaching in semester 3. Basically, paying for exams in semester three. They say: ”I feel like I am paying for nothing!

      Student 4 – Veterinary Medicine

      Financial issues are felt widely in their school with just under a year of placement required for this course. People are dropping out due to finances. Invoices for student finance are getting to students too late, which makes them struggle to pay for tuition and placement.

       

      We can see from this insight that students are experiencing issues with:

      • The cost of placements, including travel and accommodation
      • Accessing emergency funding and support for basic living needs
      • Paying tuition fees, including late invoicing and unclear deadlines
      • The affordability and perceived value of their course

       

      (These examples come directly from student stories and listening sessions. They are shared as insight to inform how you might vote on the future priorities of the Union. Following this vote, we will bring together those students interested in progressing work and taking action on the priorities to decide the issues and next steps.)

    4:30pm on 12 Jan 26 As a Masters student I am no longer able to access the bursaries I was previously so reliant upon despite the postgraduate loan providing significantly less support to me. I absolutely encourage anyone to bump this up!
    11:49am on 14 Jan 26 Is it possible to have students railcard cover for fares in morning when it isn’t peak period. That is when the railcard will be more effective.
    1:36pm on 14 Jan 26 On top of the cost of living (food and bills) there's the cost of commuting to campus, placements, childcare and food whilst on campus! All of this mounts up and the finance we get doesn't cover it, you choose between eating on campus or eating at home after a full day out and learning.
    5:13pm on 14 Jan 26 Have to pay fee but the cost of living is so much i only have 78 pound in my pocket how to pay fee on 19th jan which is half of my total fee its very difficult
    9:46am on 15 Jan 26 I feel like there should be assistance in "how to live" for those that struggle with budgeting and money- this would probably help those that haven't been taught how to make their money stretch with meals and supplies etc (not counting those that dont have money after paying tuition fee and rent and have nothing left over)

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