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Student Basic Needs Hub

Supporting students through equitable access to essentials they need to thrive. Learn more about the Student Basic Needs Project below, and browse our hub for on-demand basic needs guidance and information anytime you need it.

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Student Basic Needs Project Events

CSM Leftover Art Material Giveaway
5th November 1pm - 4pm
CSM SU Project Space (adjacent to SU office and CSM Library)
FREE Leftover Art Supplies & Materials Giveaway for CSM students @ CSM! Join us on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, at the CSM SU Project Space.
Basic Needs Project
Free Food Market @ CSM
26th November 1:30pm - 3pm
The Street, CSM
Join Us for a Free Food Market at CSM on The Street on Wednesday, 26 November, from 13:30 to 15:00!
Basic Needs Project
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What are Basic Needs?

Basic needs are the essential resources students need in order to thrive in higher education, such as food, housing, healthcare, and financial stability. The idea stems from popularity in the US, where colleges first focused on supporting students facing barriers beyond academics, especially those from underserved communities. Multiple research studies have cited that when students' needs are not met, it can affect their ability to learn and succeed in their academics. While the UK has not traditionally used this term, rising tuition, living costs, and mental health pressures create similar challenges. Arts SU's Student Basic Needs Project is one of the first initiatives in the UK to directly support students in meeting these essential needs so that they can fully engage in their education.

What is the Arts SU Student Basic Needs Project?

The Arts SU Student Basic Needs Project is a strategic initiative led by Arts SU to overcome significant obstacles impacting student wellbeing and academic success at UAL. The project is led by a designated Student Basic Needs Coordinator and aims to identify and address unmet student basic needs, including food, accommodation, financial stability, and access to essential resources. Over the course of the project, we will implement various initiatives and activities in these areas to provide support that extends beyond the classroom.

Student Basic Needs Project FAQs

Contact Us

We’re here to support you and answer any queries you may have about the Student Basic Needs Project or other basic needs resources. For more support or information, please reach out to Margarita Marie Ronquillo, Student Basic Needs Coordinator, at m.ronquillo@su.arts.ac.uk.

Contact the SU Advice Service

Email us

Usually the fastest way to contact us is to email using our contact form.

We always aim to reply within 5 working days, but often reply much sooner.

We generally answer in chronological order but if your issue is very time sensitive please mark your email 'Urgent' and we will try to get back to you as soon as we can.

Email us

Book an appointment (new clients only)

If you prefer to speak to someone directly, and you have not spoken to us previously about the issue, you can book an appointment with an Advisor.

If you already have an Advisor assigned to you and you would like to speak to them please just email them directly - this will be usually be much faster than using the booking form!

Book an appointment