Essentials
About Essentials
Essentials is LUU’s basic needs hub, developed as part of our ongoing response to the cost-of-living crisis.
While it provides support for students experiencing financial hardship, it is open to all students.
We recognise that financial challenges can affect anyone at different points during their studies, and we are here to offer advice and practical assistance whenever it is needed.
Opening hours
- Monday-Wednesday, 11am-2pm
- Thursday and Fridays, 10am-4pm
Products include:
- Pasta/rice/oats/pulses
- Canned goods
- Fresh fruit & vegetables (available on Thursdays & Fridays)
Please note that stock availability is subject to change.
Where to find us:
Find us in the LUU building, on the Balcony above Refectory!
How it works:
- You can visit once per week
- You can take up to 8 items on your visit
- Please bring your student ID
- Please bring your own reusable containers/bags
What to expect:
Our team is here to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for every student.
On arrival, a member of staff will show you the items available, and you’ll have time to browse and select what you need!
Afterwards, you’ll have a short one-to-one conversation with a staff member to ensure you’re receiving the right support.
What can you donate?
- Canned food items
- Condiments
- Noodles
- Long-life milk
- Rice
- Oil
- Pasta
- Oats
- Lentil
- Sugar
- Seasoning
- Flour
- Sanitary Products
- Clothing in good condition
Donate to Essentials
Moving out, decluttering, or planning a donation drive? Donate to Essentials!
Essentials welcomes donations from individual students, clubs, societies, and other groups across the University community.
Whether you’re donating a few items while moving out or organising a larger collection drive, every contribution helps us support students throughout their time at Leeds.
For food donations, we prefer items that don’t need to be refrigerated.
However, if you have surplus food that you don’t want to go to waste, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to see if we can accept it!
Volunteering
Volunteering opportunities will be coming soon!
We offer volunteering opportunities over the academic year. You can even get a certificate with your service hours!
There will be 3 tiers of certification:
Bronze – 50 hrs
Silver – 100 hrs
Gold – 200 hrs
There will be a prize and a certificate for each level reached.