BSU Essentials

MITHRAS HOUSE, GROUND FLOOR

OPEN EVERY TUESDAY 9AM – 12PM 

WHAT IS IT?

BSU Essentials is a Brighton Students’ Union (BSU) initiative dedicated to ensuring every student has access to the essentials they need to thrive. This initiative serves as both a foodbank and a re-use centre, providing free food, household supplies, clothing, personal hygiene products, and more.

We know that being human isn’t always easy – the cost of living is high, and balancing studies, wellbeing, and finances can feel extra challenging and overwhelming at times. Please check out our dedicated display board with financial and wellbeing support, guidance, and resources. There are many ways we can help, whether you’re feeling stuck, at crisis point, or simply need a helping hand – we’re here to support your journey.

The initiative is a community effort, partnering with FareShare – whose mission is to reduce hunger and food waste – by bringing in surplus food from local supermarkets that would otherwise go to waste. We also receive generous donations from students and staff. If you have any food, clothes, books, kitchen items, or stationery you no longer need, you can donate them to the BSU Essentials shop, where they will be reused by other students in the university community.

TERM 1 POP UPS 

From the 5th October there will be weekly pop-up tables across 
our campuses, for students to collect free food to help support them during their time at University. Check below for the calendar. 

FALMER

TUESDAYS

3-4:40PM

The living room



CITY

MONDAYS

3-4:40PM

Reception area



MITHRAS

TUES, WEDS 

9-12PM

FRIDAY

1-4PM

BSU essentials

WHAT WE STOCK:

(Depending on availability, season and location)

  • Canned goods
  • Snacks
  • Bread
  • Rice


  • Pasta
  • Cereal
  • Noodles
  • Fresh produce


  • Frozen meals
  • Milk
  • Cheese


HOW IT WORKS WANT TO DONATE?

To access these resources, you don’t need an appointment, just pop in during the opening hours and follow the below:

1. Scan/write down your student ID

2. Take up to one weeks’ worth of food

Pop up tables- 1 tote bag

Shop – up to 2 tote bags

Thank you for being considerate and helping us share these resources fairly.

Moving out or have unwanted items? We accept unwanted items which will be made available for students in need through BSU Essentials.

We accept non-perishable food items, plates and cutlery, clothes and shoes, small electric goods (all need to be in good condition).

Drop off points:

  • BSU Essentials
  • Engagement office next to Basement central
  • BSU Donation boxes
  • Living Room (Falmer)
  • The common room (City)

For more information or to make a donation, email [email protected]

For more information or to make a donation, email  [email protected].