Are your studies being impacted by cost of living? Find out how DUSA can help
If you’re struggling to cover everyday uni expenses like food, books, rent or transport, you’re not alone. Financial stress can make it harder to focus on your studies and take a toll on your wellbeing, but support is available.
It’s ok to ask for help when you need it
Don’t let stress over your finances impact your health or your studies – DUSA’s Student Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) are here to help you, no matter what your situation may be! We can help you reduce your financial stress, work/study imbalance, food insecurity or welfare concerns. DUSA services are confidential and free for all Deakin students.
Cost of living support
Free food
Bring your own bag to the DUSA Food Pantry for free fruit, vegetables and pantry items so you can cook healthy, cheap and easy dinners from the DUSA Recipe book. The Food Pantry is open from 11am-1pm on the Burwood, Waurn Ponds and Waterfront campuses.
Free breakfast, lunch and snacks on campus
Fuel your study every Tuesday in Trimester 1 and 2, on the Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses with DUSA’s weekly lunch giveaway! Between 12-1pm (or until stock runs out), we serve delicious and nutritious lunch options at our Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses.
On Wednesdays we do free breakfast! In Trimester 1 and 2, 8.30-10.30am, you can grab free fresh fruit and nutritious breakfast options at the Burwood, Waurn Ponds and Waterfront campuses.
DUSA Chill out trolley snacks and drinks will keep you going on a late-night library study session. Check the DUSA events webpage for details.
These events are part of DUSA’s commitment to ensuring every Deakin student has what they need to succeed. Keep an eye on the Cost of living webpage for more information.
Survival Centres
When life throws you a curveball, unexpected expenses or you just need some extra help, contact the DUSA Survival Centre.
What’s available?
- Essential food items and ingredients
- Personal hygiene and health products
- Household basics and cleaning supplies
- Information about other support services
You can find a Survival Centre on the Burwood, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campus. For more information download our Welfare Support Services Guide (PDF 0.9MB).
Financial Wellbeing
The DUSA Financial Wellbeing team is focussed on building your confidence with money. This might be creating a budget, boosting your income, reducing expenses or navigating an unexpected financial situation.
What our services look like
- Personalised Financial Wellbeing Support: One-on-one support tailored to your specific goals and challenges.
- Practical Tools and Resources: Budget templates, expense tracking apps, and money-saving guides.
- Supportive Connections: Links to relevant services, grants, and external support options.
- Financial Education Sessions: Learn budgeting, saving strategies, and money management fundamentals.
Thriving is your essential financial wellbeing guide, packed with useful money saving tips and hacks just for students.
Transport assistance
Experiencing financial hardship can make travelling to and from campus difficult, whether it is through public transport or your own vehicle. If you can’t afford to get to uni, your studies may be impacted.
Whether you’ve just commenced your studies recently, or you’ve been at Deakin for a while, we encourage you to connect with an Advocate for support and advice. We are here to help!
DUSA’s transport solutions program might help you to attend classes, use university facilities, access on-campus support services and meet up with friends. If you have a parking fine, check out the Work and Development Permit scheme.
Talk to us today!
Whether you’ve just commenced your studies, or you’ve been at Deakin for a while, we encourage you to connect with a DUSA support service. We are here to help!
🌐 dusa.org.au/get-help
📱 1300 555 528
📧 dusa-contact@deakin.edu.au