Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA) have both launched free breakfast programmes for their students amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Napier’s programme, which became effective from 17 October, grants every student at the university a free breakfast every weekday.
The university’s students can get one hot breakfast roll and one hot drink from 8:30 until 10:30.
Napier’s news page described the university’s stance on the cost-of-living crisis’ impact on its students, saying:
“We understand the impact that the rising cost of living has on our students, and as a University, we want to do all we can to support you.
“All you need to do is show your Edinburgh Napier student card at the till.
“Remember, if you’re struggling with money worries, the Student Funding team are here to help and advise you of the best ways to make the most of your money and manage your outgoings.”
Meanwhile, ECSA’s programme, which began on 25 October, will run between three and five days a week depending on staff availability.
It will grant students a selection of free hot drinks and breakfast foods between 8:30 and 9:30 on days the programme is running.
The Associations’ announcement of the programme read:
“Research has shown time and time again that students who eat breakfast perform better in their studies.
“With the rising cost of everything, and more and more stress on students, ECSA believes that offering this service can go some way to help students feel a bit better, stay on track, and achieve what they want to at College.”
The announcement also clarified that students had no hard limit on how many breakfast items they can take.
“Just come along and help yourself if you are hungry.
“As we are trying to deliver to as many students as possible, we ask that students try and limit themselves to 1 drink and 2 breakfast items each day.”
Elsewhere in Scotland, the University of the West of Scotland has since September offered students on three of its campuses free breakfasts.
The offer runs two days a week, and includes hot drinks, pastries, and an assortment of breakfast foods.
In the announcement of the programme, the university said:
“Eating a healthy breakfast has several benefits and can positively impact your studies, learning and general health.
“It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with your classmates and students from the wider UWS community.”
Edinburgh University has launched a heavily discounted lunch option to help combat the cost-of-living crisis, running at £1.50.
Running since 17 October, it gives students a choice of four different roll fillings and a different soup option every weekday.
The University has also frozen costs for all products in all its cafes from the start of this year.
In a press statement to The Edinburgh Tab, a spokesperson for the University of Edinburgh said:
“The £1.50 meal option offered in all ACE-managed cafes and outlets is one of a range of initiatives to help students manage the cost of living.”
The spokesperson also signposted the University’s cost-of-living guidance, available here.
The page says that University buildings can be used for warming, and that shower facilities in some areas will be available outwith their usual hours.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association has made a commitment to matching the discount meal price offered by the University.
The Association has also tried to tackle the cost-of-living crisis by lobbying for increased hardship funding from the University, which it achieved.
In addition, it has joined a national campaign by NUS Scotland to combat the cost-of-living crisis across the higher education sector.
Among other issues, NUS Scotland is pushing for the introduction of half price bus and train travel for students, a student rent freeze, and increased numbers of bursaries and grants.
Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College Students’ Association did not respond to requests for comment by deadline.
“My very first breakfast in Tabriz” by Mohammadali is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.