Cost of Living Support

Cost of Living Support content

Cost of Living Support

UHI Outer Hebrides is working hard to provide support and advice to those students who are adversely affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The cost-of-living crisis presents an ongoing challenge to people and families across Scotland, with many struggling to make ends meet. Supporting our students through the cost-of-living crisis is a key focus area of student services’ work.

You can find a series of events and intiatives:

Comunn Cubby

To support our students and staff through the cost-of-living crisis we have started the Comunn Cubby Project. The Cubby will be open from the 2nd of November.

Every first Wednesday of the month students and staff will be able to have a browse through second hand clothes, shoes, blankets, games, and books.  

Goods are on a pay what you can basis. Any donations will go to our charity of the year – The Western Isles Association For Mental Health

Donations can be made to student services from now. The cubby accepts the following items as donation:

  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Blankets
  • Books
  • Board games

Money Matters Advice Drop ins

Student Services are offering money matters and personal finances advice drop ins for students.

We can support you with:

  • Budgeting
  • Money saving
  • Funding Applications
  • Housing advice
  • Digital Inclusion Support
  • Student Discounts and Deals
  • General finance advice
  • Third party referral support

Housing Day 18th November

Together with our Business Dept we have invited local organisations working in Housing up to offer advice to our students for Housing Day. Stalls will be up in the foyer. More details on the event will be available soon.

Money Matters Advice Drop-ins

Student Services are offering money matters and personal finances advice drop-ins for students. Our staff can support students with budgets, savings, housing advice and more.

Warm Spaces

Study and student spaces at our UHI campuses are fully accessible, and we encourage students to come and make use of the building instead of spending money on heating and expensive wi-fi contracts at home. These spaces include:

  • Workspaces
  • Charging points
  • Free wi-fi
  • Computer access
  • Student kitchen facilities
  • Student common room
  • Discounted student café prices

Food Banks

The college’s Business department has been working with the local Salvation Army to collect items for their food bank. These donations are open to anyone who might need them. We are collecting donations in our Stornoway Campus Foyer and anyone in need can visit the Food Bank at Stornoway Golf Club next to the College which is open 11am – 2pm on Tuesday and Saturday.

Students in the Southern Isles can also make donations and find support at their local Food Bank - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Uistandbarrafoodbank

Student funds promotions

Our Student Services team can support you in finding funding available  including:

  • Childcare funds
  • Discretionary funds
  • Digital inclusion support
  • FE Bursary
  • EMA

Windsock- Student newsletter

Student Services will continue to give student advice through the Student Newsletter on cost of living and promote Budget eats. This will be sent to your student email each month.

National Campaigns

We are working closely with the Scottish Government and local organisations to promote opportunities for students. This includes the new Government website - https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/ where you can find lots of information and support.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

We offer a wide range of service to support your mental health. Service include:

  • OH Counselling Service
  • TogetherAll
  • life
  • Green Button
  • Third party referral

Find out more - https://www.outerhebrides.uhi.ac.uk/students/student-services/mental-health-and-wellbeing/