What is the Community Cupboard? 

The Community Cupboard at Roehampton Students' Union is a vital support facility that provides free essential supplies to students in need.

The cupboard is based in the RSU Reception, and the items we provide range from hygienic products, stationery, baby supplies, and kitchen equipment.

This initiative aims to ease the pressures among students amidst the existing cost-of-living crisis, so that they can maintain everyday expenditures without having to interrupt their learning.

This Community Cupboard is open to all students at University of Roehampton - with particular emphasis on students residing on or near campus. This initiative is one of a comprehensive range of support services aimed at promoting student well-being and support through financial alleviation.  

Why is the Community Cupboard needed, and how does it actually help students? 

High numbers of students across the UK are experiencing severe financial hardship, often being forced into making undesirable choices between necessities for survival and their studies.

Higher Education Policy Institute studies reveal that 58% of students are facing deteriorating financial situations, with 33% of these at risk of dropping out of university due to financial concerns. For example: if a home student is granted the lowest maintenance loan, a Roehampton undergraduate who lives on campus would have only around £31 per week remaining after rent is paid, which is not enough to pay for an average £200 monthly food bill, let alone transport or other necessities on top. Thus, most students are not able to buy basic items aside from groceries.  

The Community Cupboard addresses this demand by offering things like:

• sanitary products
• cleaning supplies
• kitchen supplies
• baby products
• office supplies

By providing free essentials, the Community Cupboard significantly relieves financial pressure from students, allowing them to direct their limited funds into other necessities. The pantry is supplemented by other university initiatives like free transport by bus, community fridges, and subsidized food plans, all of which work together to encourage student health and a compassionate university community.  

How to get involved with this? 

This service not only helps with cost control but also sustainability and inclusivity in the university.  If you would like to get involved, you can contribute towards this cause by donating your spare items. Donations of second-hand clothing, kitchenware, books, and household goods will assist fellow students who require them - so you are not only helping other students in need, but also mitigating waste on campus in a meaningful way.  

There is one final day to donate your items on Thursday 19 June, between 10:00 and 14:00, at Monte Hall. (in Froebel College, near the Union Bar). 

We would deeply appreciate your contribution as your donations keep the Community Cupboard running.  

Successes to Date  

To date, the Community Cupboard has collected 739 donations, amounting to approximately 198.16 kilograms. This demonstrates the extent of community support and the tangible difference efforts can make in supporting student welfare.

We truly value your support in this initiative and would like to express our most sincere gratitude to all of those who have donated to the Community Cupboard so far.  

When is the Community Cupboard open to use?

The reception at RSU is currently closed for the summer. We will reopen when the new semester begins in September 2025. This means the cupboard will only be available during term time - we will spend this summer stocking it up so it is fully ready for you upon your return to campus at the start of the new academic year!

- Adam, VP Welfare