My priority this year as President Falmouth is advocate for a more affordable student experience and highlight how the cost of living is affecting our student community; from hidden course costs to skyrocketing transport prices and the rising cost of food on campus. 

The cost of being a student is no longer just about tuition fees. It's about the small but constant extra charges that add up fast: needing to print course work, buy materials you didn’t expect, or pay more just to get to campus. These are real pressures, and they’re affecting students every single day. 

Hidden Course Costs & Financial Transparency 

Students should never be surprised by unexpected costs once they’ve already started a course. Unfortunately, too many are. 

That’s why I’ve been working closely with your Academic Course Reps to: 

• Review course websites and flag where cost information is missing or unclear 

• Reflect on lived their own student experiences, like needing to buy equipment, software, or materials that weren’t made clear in advance 

• Identify recurring ‘hidden’ costs, like printing or mandatory trips, that add up over time 

I’ve been collaborating with the university to make sure that course information is fully transparent and clear on the website before students accept their offer. This means: 

• Course-specific costs listed up front 

• No hidden surprises 

• Greater accountability from departments 

Transport: The Fight for Fair and Accessible Travel 

The recent removal of student term-time and annual bus passes by First Bus has had a huge impact on our community. Getting to campus, work, or even the shop has suddenly become less affordable and less accessible. 

Affordable transport has been an SU priority since the last Forum and I’ve been leading on discussions and work with the support of the Sabbatical Officer team.  

Since the changes, I’ve been: 

• Meeting regularly with key stakeholders including Falmouth University, the University of Exeter (Cornwall), FX Plus and Cornwall Council 

• Pushing for short- and long-term solutions that reflect the financial pressures students are facing 

• Leading a student transport roundtable in October to make space for your voices, stories, and ideas 

For a full update on what we’ve done so far and how you can help, read the bus blog here.

Food on Campus: Work in Progress 

The cost of food on campus is another area that’s causing strain for many students, and it’s something I’m passionate to work on. 

I’ve started having regular meetings with the Hospitality Manager to raise student concerns and explore: 

• More affordable food options across all outlets 

• Better transparency around pricing 

• How we can offer inclusive, budget-friendly meals that work for all dietary needs 

This work is ongoing, and I’ll keep you updated as we make progress. If you’ve got thoughts, experiences, or suggestions, get in touch!