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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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Read our Student Basic Needs Project Plan below

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Student Basic Needs Project Events

Nourish Box #1 (Summer Term 2026) Order Form Now OPEN
26th January 10am - 29th January 10am
LCC Student Union Office at Elephant and Castle, Room T104
Nourish Boxes are an assortment of FREE non-perishable food items available for UAL students to collect on a fortnightly basis from the SU Office at LCC!
Basic Needs Project
Cass Art Prize 2026
18th March 2pm - 12th May noon
Arts SU is supporting UAL students by reimbursing entry fees to help cover the potential financial barrier of the application costs.
Career Development Opportunities | Exhibition | Basic Needs Project
Degree Show Fund Applications 2026 NOW OPEN
17th April 9am - 1st May 11:59am
Get up to £200 towards your Degree Show Project! Applications open on 17 April 2026!
Basic Needs Project
SAVE THE DATE: Cycle Safety Event with Dr Bike
6th May 11am - 2pm
Location TBC
Bring Your Bike In for a FREE Safety Check + Basic Repairs with Dr Bike! Location TBC! Check back soon for more information.
Basic Needs Project
SAVE THE DATE: Free Food Market #4
27th May 1:30pm - 3pm
TBC
Join Us for a Free Food Market on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, from 13:30 to 15:00! Location TBC!
Basic Needs Project
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Student Basic Needs Project News

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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