A university has announced a multi-million-pound package to support its students and staff with the cost of living crisis.

The package by the University of Sussex includes a boost to the student hardship fund, with additional financial support for those who receive a bursary based on low household income.

Employees with the lowest salaries at the university will also receive staggered payments through the winter months, weighted to those most affected by the cost of living crisis.

Combined with similar support in the summer, the university has offered £6.6 million in support to help people manage rising living costs.

Professor Sasha Roseneil, vice-chancellor at the university, said: “This winter is set to be hugely challenging for many people, including those within our own University of Sussex community.

“Recognising this, we have put together a comprehensive and progressive package of financial and practical support for our students and staff.

“Building on payments made to staff in the summer, we are making additional payments over the winter months that target support at those who are most in need, and we are more than doubling our student hardship fund, as well as making cash payments to all of our Sussex Bursary students.”

The move comes after the university became a real living wage employer this year.

Sussex University also offers other support measures, including discounts on public transport for staff, subsidised low-cost food options on campus, and freezing parking costs on campus to pre-pandemic levels.

Further support is also available via the university’s Student Centre, as well through its money and funding advice service, with information on university hardship funds and welfare loans available on their website.