Ever trekked across town for a quick bite, only to find out you’re suddenly paying “public” rates because you’re not a member of that college? You’re not alone, and it’s a problem we want to fix.
Right now, every college sets its own “member” price. Go to your own college - You get a discount. Pop into another college - You pay full whack. For many students, that means:
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Accessibility hurdles:
If you’ve got mobility challenges or back-to-back lectures off-site, hopping between colleges isn’t just a pain—it’s sometimes impossible
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Financial Pinch:
Your termly budget can’t stretch to un-discounted lunches whenever you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Imagine if all colleges had a three tier system, one for college members, one for non-members, and one for the public. Homerton College is a shining example of how this can be done with its “open-member” pricing for Education students. No “sorry, you’re not one of us” moments, but instead, a recognition that students who are far from their colleges also deserve reasonable, discounted prices.
Food isn't just fuel. It is a part of life around which community is built, ideas are exchanged, and our daily work finds its cadence. Equitable access to food is essential to academic success, wellbeing, and inclusion. Therefore, unified member pricing in every college servery is a small change with big impact. It would certainly help remove the quiet barriers that can make college life more isolating for students who are already navigating financial pressure or struggle with movement across campus due to disabilities.
If we want to build a University where everyone can thrive, let’s start with the basics. Let’s start with food, so that the next time you’re grazing in Newnham or refuelling in Pembroke, you’ll feel welcome (and charged fairly) every single time.
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