Wednesday 26-11-2025 - 15:08

Welcome to In The Loop, your space to see how your voice becomes action.

A lot happens behind the scenes over here — meetings, insight gathering, data analysis, reports, and most of it never reaches you. So, we’re changing that. This is our way of keeping you informed, with four editions coming out across the academic year. Each one will show you what you’ve told us, what we’ve done with your feedback, and how it’s influencing decisions across the University.

In this first edition, we’re diving into the key stats, themes, and issues you’ve raised from big conversations to the concerns you’ve asked us to escalate.

This quarter we'll be focusing on three key areas: Transitioning to university, student finance and equity and inclusion.

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Transitioning to University ⏰

Starting university is a big transition, and we understand it can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re adjusting to new expectations, new people, and a new environment — and that isn’t always easy. But it’s also a time for growth, connection, and discovering where you belong. We recognise how important this stage is.

What we heard:

+ You were so ready to crack on, meet new people and get settled, but it might not have happened as naturally as possible

+ Your course was the main source of community, but trying to find time outside of your timetable made it hard to build meaningful relationships

What we’ve done:

+ We have created a series of Together events that are faculty-specific and focus on allowing you to take dedicated time from your timetable to connect with course mates

+ We’ve also made the process of creating academic societies easier, and the stats tell us it’s paying off… Memberships are UP 11% so far in 25/26 (1,281 vs 1,151)

 

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Student Finances 💰

We know money worries aren’t new for students, and data from our Advice Centre shows us just how regularly you’re seeking help with money issues. We’re talking 1 in 3 queries across the last academic year. We hear you loud and clear.

What we heard:

+ Living as a student can be hard: three in five students said they skip meals at least some of the time to save money, one in ten students have turned to a food bank and 41% have considered dropping out due to money worries

+ You want practical guidance on budgeting and saving, including how to manage income, and reduce impulse purchases

+ You’d love advice on affordable shopping and smart saving, sharing ideas such as cooking in groups, shopping in bulk, and making the most of student discounts

+ You’re clued up on jobs and side hustles – there’s a desire for support in finding part-time work, exploring small income-generating opportunities like online selling, and accessing careers fairs to boost your financial security.

Your finances are a priority to us, and we'll continue to talk about the financial hardships you face, whether that’s across our social media channels or internally with the University

What we’ve done:

+ We’re continuing to find practical ways to make student life easier, and one of our most popular initiatives has been the Union Cupboard. A free, thrift-shop-style space where students can pick up pre-loved essentials for not a single penny

+ The Union Coffee Shop and Boundary have both been designed with affordability in mind. We make sure to keep prices low so having a coffee with a friend doesn’t break the bank, and you’ve got time (guilt-free) to relax

The University offers exemplary financial support schemes such as:

+ The Success Fund – a fund offering bursaries between £200 and £1,500 for free

+ The First-Generation Scholarship Program

+ Free software loans such as Adobe

+ Equipment loans

Together, these efforts reflect the ongoing commitment to putting money right back in your pockets as well as making sure the community is supported and helping every student feel they belong, without breaking the bank.

 

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Equity and Inclusion 🤝

We need to talk about RIPIAG - Racially Inclusive Practice in Assessment Guidance.

Think of it as the unwritten rules of university life, the things everyone is somehow expected to just “know” - how to study effectively, how to manage assignments, what teachers are really looking for and the skills that help you succeed, but no one ever explains.

RIPIAG gives everyone in a course the same clear guidance, instead of leaving people to figure things out on their own. It’s meant to make things fairer, more inclusive, and less confusing.

What we heard:

+ Clarity, structure and transparency of your course are most important. You value clear learning, resources, assignment briefs, schedules and feedback

+ Week-by-week structures for the curriculum have been hugely beneficial with one of you even calling it “life-changing” 👀

+ Tutor accessibility is super important, especially those who stay behind after class or offer drop-in sessions

What we’ve done:

+ Expanded the RIPIAG Listening Rooms across the University, creating more spaces for honest dialogue and amplifying your voices

+ Collaborated with the STRIVE team to strengthen work around difficult conversations, student leadership, and ensuring every voice is heard and valued

+ Led ADHD Awareness initiatives through the Student Officer team, helping build a more inclusive, informed, and supportive student community

 

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