With rising costs and possibly expensive heating bills now that the weather is changing, we get that being at home can be more challenging in the winter month. That’s why we have loads of things on campus to give you that cosy home feel, places to relax and hang out and ways you can cut the costs at home by utilising campus instead.
Exploring on campus resources and making the most out of all the ways you could save couldn’t get easier. With all the free services that Queen Mary provides there’s no better place to find just about you need to call Queen Mary home!
Start the day fresh
Want to feel refreshed after a long day? Feeling a little musty and wish you could take a quick, hot shower? We’ve got you; did you know the Mile End Campus alone has over 44 shower rooms to start your day right. The Charterhouse Campus has 15+ shower rooms and there are multiple shower rooms you can access on the Whitechapel campus. So, no matter which campus you’re in, there’s always plenty of room to shower. Find them all here.
Stay connected
Keep up with the world and stay connected to the internet by logging on to eduroam, which provides you with FREE Wi-Fi throughout all Queen Mary campuses and more. You can also borrow DELL laptops from the self-service machines located on the ground floor at both Mile End and Whitechapel Library.
Phone charging stations
Running out of charge on your mobile? Forgot your phone charger? Need that extra power up of electricity without thinking about the bill? Don’t worry, we have charging stations almost everywhere you go! Keep your day going and your battery fully charged by finding out more here about exactly where you can find phone charging stations here.
Keep yourself entertained
There’s hardly a day without an event at Queen Mary...
Why pay extra to watch movies in a cinema when the Residences Team and the Students’ Union student groups host regular movie nights. Why not cut the cost of your Netflix subscription this month and join us instead?
Find out more about the endless opportunities to get involved at campus here. Queen Mary has over 250 societies and sports clubs you can join, with events that even provide FREE food. Stay on top of the exciting events happening on campus through the Students’ Union’s What’s On page!
Kick the boredom away by stopping for a game on the foosball table and more at the Students’ Union Hub Building on our Mile End campus and the Garrod Building at Whitechapel. You can even replace a night out by playing pool by Drapers or even at QM Social where you can find plenty of board games and cards to choose from at QM Social. Plus, we have regular games night “Game On” where you can play games like Mario Kart for free without having to splash out on your own console.
(Our new social spot, QM Social)
(The Foosball Table at the Hub)
Hang out and read in your spare time - use the library
Basically, we think that libraries are great. Free books? Absolute winner. Why not read to your hearts content, with zero cost, and utilise the library!
If the library is not your scene, do not worry because you can explore other study spots such as The Nest, The Hive and The Canalside study rooms.
You can even enjoy a stroll by the beautiful canal and then stop by the Canalside study room to catch up on you're reading or simply enjoy a book while still enjoying the view and even spotting some ducks in the summer!
(The Hive)
Work from "home" - find your perfect job on campus
Enjoy the comfort of being on campus and the perks of being a student staff member including, a 20% discount in all Students’ Union outlets by working for the Students’ Union.
Check for vacancies and find out how you can work for your Student Union here. Watch out as we have vacancies throughout the year! Can’t find a job you’re interested in? No worries! Browse through our endless volunteering opportunities and find and work for a cause you are passionate about here and find a Handy Guide to Find Part-time Work here.
Don’t forget to enhance your employability here.
Cheap-eats – cut food costs whilst eating “out”
If the cost of living crisis is making it harder to afford grocery, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! The Students’ Union’s Food Pantry offers some FREE grocery items to any student that’s struggling to pay grocery bills. Find out more information here. You can also check your eligibility for the Supermarket Scheme and receive a 25 pounds voucher once per academic year here.
There’s always a space to make your instant noodles, heat your food or even cook a little as there are multiple microwaves, including one at the recently opened QM Social available throughout the day.
The Residences Team hosts various events with hot food and great drinks throughout the year. Find out more here. Another great way to save money is to use the Daily Food Deals at Drapers and The Griff.
(Food Pantry)
Take a break
Want a small break or a peaceful place to pray without spending a penny to commute? We have a Multifaith centre at Whitechapel and Mile End with scriptures, prayers mats and the perfect environment you need to pray.
We also have contemplation rooms in all our libraries.
The St. Benet's Chaplaincy in Mile End is also a great place to relax and pray. They often serve coffee and snacks and is a wonderful place to go if you need a small break on a busy day.
Stay hydrated
In the pursuit of being as productive as possible, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Skip the worry of buying another bottle of water as we have over 45 water coolers available throughout our campuses.
We are here to support you!
If you need any more support or advice, don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Queen Mary has a dedicated Advice and Counselling service you can reach out to anytime. Queen Mary offers the Financial Assistance Fund, which you can apply for if you’re in dire need of money. Queen Mary has a dedicated Advice and Counselling service you can reach out to, and help in crisis. We hope that this article makes exploring on campus resources and utlising it to save money much easier, especially during the cost of living crisis. With all the free services that Queen Mary provides there’s no better place to find just about you need to call Queen Mary home.