ESSEX University has upped its support for students as the cost of living hits students.

The university, which has campuses in Colchester, Southend and Loughton, announced a new support package which saw its hardship fund more than trebled, with it now extending to travel and childcare costs.

Having previously totalled £489,000, the hardship fund available to Essex University students now sits at £1.5million, having reopened for applications on Monday.

Re-sit fees, which previously saw students pay to sit exams if they failed first time round, have been removed and a voluntary living wage will also be introduced from January for university and student union jobs.

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The university has also announced basic foodstuffs will be reduced in price for students, specifically by bringing in items at a cheaper rate from retail suppliers.

In a blog post published online by Professor Madeline Eacott, the university’s vice chancellor wrote that the institution will support as many people as possible.

She said: "Whatever your version of university life looks like outside of class hours, we are going to do everything we can, together, to support you. This is not something that you’re facing alone."