To help Hallam students with the cost of living, we've set up the Cost of Living Shop which is open every day at the Students' Union.
We aim to be open Monday to Friday 1pm-5pm, but this varies depending on our volunteers' availability. Updated opening times are posted at the beginning of each week on our Instagram, so make sure you're following us to stay updated!
We're located at the HUBS (6 Paternoster Row, S1 2QQ) and it's on the left-hand side as you walk through the ground floor of the building.
At the shop you can find a Community Fridge, Clothing Swap Shop, and a Book Swap.
Community Fridge
The Community Fridge is stocked with food that's donated by local businesses and suppliers, often items that are nearing their sell-by date but still perfectly good to eat. It's there to help students who need a bit of extra support when their budget gets tight. You'll find a range of items like fresh produce, dairy products, snacks, and more, all available for free.
You can pick up these items from the shop anytime they need. Make sure you check our Instagram stories for updates on the latest food deliveries so you know what's available!
Swap Shop
The Swap Shop is a space where you can trade your used clothes, shoes, and accessories for something new. It's a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending any money! Whether you're looking for a new outfit for a society night out or just want to change up your style, you'll find a wide range of items to choose from, including tops, trousers, jackets, shoes, and even fancy dress items (but no underwear, please!).
Here's how it works: bring in any clean, wearable clothing or accessories you no longer need and hand them over to one of our volunteers during opening hours.
If you don't find anything you like on the day, no worries! We'll give you a Swap Shop card with a stamp for each item you donate. You can use your card to come back another time and swap for something else when we have new items in stock. Just remember to bring your card with you!
Book Swap
Our Book Swap is a great way to refresh your reading list without spending any money. Think of it as a mini library where you can trade your old book for a new one! Simply bring in any book you no longer need or have already read and swap it for something different from our collection.
Books can be expensive, so this is a perfect way to keep your bookshelf fresh without breaking the bank. You're also welcome to just pop in and enjoy a good read from our shelf, even if you're not ready to make a swap yet!
Get involved
Our volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the shop running smoothly, stocking shelves, organising supplies, and assisting other students.
If you're passionate about making a difference on campus and have a few hours to spare each week, we'd love to have you join our volunteer team! It's a great way to gain valuable experience, meet new people, and give back to the student community. To get involved, simply reach out to us at campaigns@shu.ac.uk.