DUSA runs a Campus Pantry that will supply a variety of basic essentials and toiletries aimed at lowering the cost of a student’s weekly shop. The Pantry includes items such as bread and margarine, non-perishable items such as pasta, noodles or canned products and toiletries such as shower gel and toothpaste. The items we prepare in bags are aimed at supplementing a student’s expenses and are not designed to replace a grocery shop.
Students may only use the Campus Pantry once every 14 days. Similar to the free breakfast club, some students are in greater need of assistance, so we kindly encourage students to consider their personal circumstances before using the pantry. We will prepare ‘essential item bags’ for students using the pantry to ensure fairness and control the stock we have.
If you are in desperate need, please contact our Advice & Support team and they may be able to refer you. These will be made on a case by case basis.Â
DUSA host a breakfast club free of charge within Pavement Cafe between 09:00 and 10:30 Monday to Friday. Students from this University will have the option between a hot or cold breakfast and will be offered tea or coffee. Students will be able to enjoy a tasty breakfast in a comfortable and friendly environment before they head off to classes, work or back home.
We welcome any student to use the breakfast club. In saying this, we are conscious that some students are in greater need of assistance, so we would kindly ask students to consider their personal circumstances and what they feel is right. You are free to pop along with friends, or simply come alone and meet new students. This is intended to be a welcoming and chilled environment to grab a bite and have an energised start to your day. We will do our best to accommodate for all dietary requirements.
DUSA are proud to offer free, impartial, and confidential advice on any issue you face as a student. If we can’t help you; we will put you in contact with someone who can. We can support you with almost anything, from academic appeals, private housing, personal struggles to University complaints.Â
Our specialist team do everything they can to make you feel safe, supported and listened to. Only at your request will we act on your behalf.
We understand life gets busy, but there is always time to chat. For as long as DUSA are here, you are not alone.Â
Due to a variety of factors beyond our immediate control, the entire nation is set to experience a significant cost of living crisis. This crisis will see a substantial rise in costs for everyday essentials , which will inevitably affect those on lower incomes to a much greater extent, including the student population. It goes without saying that personal financial difficulties can lead to other struggles as a student, especially a decline in mental health, academic performance, and the overall ability to have an enjoyable student experience.
Vast amounts of students, both within Dundee and across the country, have expressed their deep concerns about this emergency, as it will unavoidably impact their financial security and thus their overall university life. Our student community are diverse in various ways, including the range of student economic backgrounds. It has been indicated that this crisis will have a more damaging impact on the most disadvantaged students in our society, but that is not to say that other students, no matter their level of funding or background, won’t be impacted throughout this crisis. We are firm in our belief that considerable action is necessary, both by DUSA and the University, in the interest of all students.
Students already face considerable pressure throughout their studies, and many students have to experience the additional difficulty of adjusting to independent life away from home. This crisis will inevitably lead to a far greater number of students seeking recourse to existing resources and financial aid, thus pressuring these services and funds. DUSA and the University should work together purposefully and resolutely to mitigate the impact on our students’ wellbeing and attainment. Both organisations already have a strong relationship and we already share a common purpose – to enhance the student experience. This thriving relationship, and the multitude of benefits it presents, will only be made stronger if and when we act in a bold and decisive manner.
