Cost of Living: Queen’s University Belfast gives students free breakfast
Flavia Gouveia
Queen’s University Belfast in conjunction with the Students’ Union has launched a free breakfast initiative for students as part of their cost-of-living support package.
The initiative which was launched on November 8 in the Students’ Union Lobby, saw over 500 students in attendance on the first day. Breakfasts including porridge, fruit, and cereal bars were available as well as support and advice from the University and the Students’ Union.
QUBSU President, Emma Murphy, said “the aim is to combat the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on students, as food expenses have significantly increased this year”. Emma added “the mornings also give us an opportunity to engage with students, speaking to them and providing further information”.
Students availing of the free breakfasts were also asked for suggestions on additional support. These suggestions included calls for cheaper or subsidised transportation, increased support for nursing students and reduced student accommodation costs.
Speaking of the additional support students called for, Emma said “this is one of many steps that we are undertaking, but governmental assistance for students is greatly needed. As long as the Executive does not form, MLAs are actively failing to provide students the support they need during a time they need it most”.
Speaking about the initiative, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “The free breakfasts offered in tandem with the Students’ Union are part of a wider package of measures to ease the cost-of-living pressures on our students.
Referring to the cost-of-living support package announced last month, Professor Greer said, "plans are in place to distribute £150 to each student and £400 to those from low-income households at the end of January as part of a £7.9m funding package, and we continue to consider ways we can provide practical support”.
Free breakfasts will be on offer until tomorrow, November 10, and next week from Tuesday to Thursday. Speaking to The Tab, Emma said “Depending on demand over the next two weeks, I can see whether it is something we will lobby the university to continue next semester as well.”
Flavia Gouveia is Environment and Science Editor at The Scoop and is studying for an MA in Journalism at Ulster University.