BNU earns national recognition for supporting students through cost-of-living crisis

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has been recognised at the 2026 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA), picking up a silver award for its work supporting students through hardship. 

The WUSCAs are the leading higher education awards based entirely on verified student reviews and feedback. BNU and Bucks Students’ Union scooped silver in the Supporting Students through the Cost-of-Living Crisis category, reflecting an ongoing commitment to supporting students facing financial pressures. 

That work continues to have a significant impact on students, including: 

• More than £1 million allocated to 2,617 students through bursaries and hardship funding, helping with the cost of household bills, rent, food, course materials and transport.  
• More than 15,000 free meals provided across BNU campuses through monthly meal packs, food refill stations, and free breakfasts, lunches and dinners.  
• BNU’s sector-leading Big Deal programme, which offers free access to clubs, sports and trips, providing more than 3,000 opportunities and 8,000 hours of skills training annually and helping students save an estimated £200 per month.  

BNU also placed in the top 10 of three further categories this year: Student Support (6th), Students’ Union (5th), and International (4th). 

The latest recognition builds on BNU’s recent success at the WUSCAs, including previous awards for cost-of-living support and regional wins for University of the Year and Students’ Union of the Year in South-East England. 

Professor Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor of BNU, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the work taking place across BNU recognised once again at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards - particularly because these awards are based entirely on student feedback. 

“This reflects the dedication of colleagues across the University and our shared commitment to creating an environment where students can succeed, whatever challenges they face.” 

Jean Marc Amagoua, President of Bucks Students’ Union, said: “This award highlights what can be achieved when the Students’ Union and University work together with a shared focus on improving students’ lives. 

“The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect students across the country – I’m really pleased to see the practical support we provide – from free meals to The Big Deal – being recognized at a national level.” 

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are based on more than 42,000 verified student reviews, gathered through campus visits and online submissions, offering prospective students a real insight into university life.