A UNIVERSITY has reduced library fines, extended its opening hours and lowered the price of meals served on campus, amid warnings students are struggling to cover their costs.

As prices spiral out of control, City University said it is taking measures to cushion their students from the worst of the cost of living crisis.

According to Professor Susannah Quinsee, there “is a very small instance now in which students will pay any library fines”, and university canteens now offer a “£3 hot meal option”. City buildings are also remaining open for longer so students can stay warm.

“We’re concerned for our students because they’re part of our community, and they’re all facing a number of different challenges – particularly coming out of Covid where students want to come to campus, they want to be part of campus life, and we want to make sure that includes all students and that they don’t feel they’re not able to afford a coffee or a hot drink with their friends.”

“One of the things that we’re talking about is a lot of [our students] live in private rented accommodation,” Ms Quinsee said. “Feedback from the students’ assembly was that students are experiencing increases in rent… that is happening across London. And with energy bills, that is really significant.”

She added that the university is working with the Town Hall to “support students with landlords and in those kinds of areas that are beyond the reach of the university”.

“This is a collective challenge we’re facing, and so working together is really, really important,” Ms Quinsee said.