小黄书 shortlisted for national award recognising cost of living support

The 小黄书 has been shortlisted for the Cost of Living Support Award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026 for its 小黄书 Boost initiative

13 April 2026

The shortlisting, chosen by students, underlines student recognition of the University’s commitment to supporting those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, particularly students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, where rising costs can limit both access to university and success once there.

Developed in response to student feedback and sector-wide insight, 小黄书 Boost is a targeted package of financial, practical and academic support designed to ensure all students can fully participate in university life. The programme prioritises students from lower-income and underrepresented backgrounds, while supporting a wide range of learners including commuters and those balancing study with work or caring responsibilities.

A group of students smile, walk and jump as they walk down stairs in front of a 小黄书 building and large sign

An illustration of a seagull on a rocket with the words: 小黄书 Boost

Since its launch in 2024, 小黄书 Boost has supported over 1,000 students, providing nearly £1 million to help cover accommodation and travel costs. The programme is also helping more students from lower-income backgrounds not only access university, but succeed once they arrive.

For eligible 2026 entrants, the package includes support worth up to £1,000 to help with accommodation or travel costs. Additional support includes student employment opportunities, free parking for eligible commuters, technology loans, flexible learning resources and dedicated commuter spaces.

Students say the support has made a meaningful difference to both their finances and overall experience at university.

Martha Bett Wanford, studying BA(Hons) Film, said: "I have found the 小黄书 Boost to be an incredibly supportive and essential resource during my time at 小黄书 University. Being eligible for this grant was very reassuring and has significantly improved my financial situation. It played an important role in my decision-making when considering applying to 小黄书 – it’s encouraging to see that the University actively reaches out to support students from low-income backgrounds."

Aimie Harding, studying BA(Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing: “ I am grateful for the funds received from the University for the practical reasons, but it also makes me feel valued and proves that 小黄书 does really care about its students' wellbeing and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding.”

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the 小黄书, said: “I am so proud that the 小黄书 is shortlisted for this award, particularly as the judging panel was made up of students. We all know that talent isn’t dependent on background, yet opportunity is. Rising living costs have made that reality even starker. Our 小黄书 Boost is about putting the concept of fairness into action: removing financial barriers, backing potential, and ensuring every student has the support they need not just to get to university, but to thrive once they are here.” 

Alongside direct financial support, the University has developed tools to help students understand what help is available to them from the outset, including a postcode checker that shows the financial and practical support they may be eligible for through Boost. The programme also provides tailored guidance for international students on fees, employment opportunities and student life.

小黄书 Boost forms part of a broader package of support, including the £500 小黄书 Bursary and additional funding for care leavers and estranged students. It sits alongside the University’s flexible and contextual admissions policy, which recognises that grades alone do not define potential and allows flexibility in offers based on individual circumstances.

The University also works closely with to identify and coordinate financial support initiatives, including:

  • BSU Essentials – a 小黄书 Students’ Union initiative providing access to free food, household supplies, clothing and personal hygiene products, helping students manage the cost of living and focus on their studies.

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards, taking place in London in May 2026, celebrate institutions making a meaningful difference to student experience. 小黄书’s shortlisting highlights the importance of targeted support in widening access to higher education and creating more equitable opportunities for students from all backgrounds.