How To Use The Student Pantry

Whether you’re looking for a quick fix whilst trying to survive deadlines, stocking up your cupboards, or cheffing it up, The Union has you covered. The Union has launched a new click & collect student pantry, making your weekly shop convenient, cheap, and flexible. You can order up to 10 items for no more than £5.50, saving you money on your weekly essentials. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our suggested item line-ups below for quick deadline survival kits and cupboard stock-ups!

How It Works

The Student Pantry runs on a simple system, allowing you to easily browse and choose the products you need. Pick from daily essentials (our regular items) like pasta, tinned vegetables, and biscuits for just 40p each, or add products such as coffee and hygiene products for 90p each (these are our high-value items and you can have up to 3 of these in your order). Depending on your chosen mix, a full 10 item basket will cost between £4 and £5.50. Be sure to order your items by 12pm on Tuesday to ensure that you are able to pick up your items on the following Thursday. Once you’ve received your email confirming your items are ready, pick up your goods from The Union Shop the following Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. Remember, you can utilise every single week to keep your cupboards stocked as ultimately, The Union believes every student deserves equal opportunity without the stress of worrying about how to afford food. There is absolutely no shame in using this service, it is here to benefit everyone!

What’s In Store?

Our stock may change subject to availability, but you will always find something in these categories:

• Tinned and jarred food: soups, baked beans, and canned vegetables
• Carbohydrates: pasta, rice, and instant noodles
• Snacks: sweet treats and biscuits

Household and self-care (high-value items): tea, coffee, shampoo, conditioner, and cleaning products

Be sure to check the online shop every week for any changes in stock!

Building Your 10 Item Basket

Unsure on where to start? Here is how you can stretch your 10 items to cover all bases in your order. 

Midweek meal and self-care reset

• 3 High-value items: tea bags, shower gel, and body lotion
• 7 Regular items: pasta, pasta sauce, tinned peas, tinned carrots, tuna, tinned soup, and a packet of biscuits
• Total cost: £5.50
• Result: a warm lunch and dinner, and a self-care evening fuelled with tea and biscuits!

The deadline survival kit

• 3 High-value items: coffee, dry shampoo, and shower gel
• 7 Regular items: 3x instant noodles, 2x tinned soups, and 2x snack bars/biscuits
• Total cost: £5.50
• Result: quick-fixes for when you’re busy with upcoming deadlines!

The cupboard stock-up

• 1 High-value item: pack of toilet rolls
• 9 Regular items: pasta, pasta sauce, rice, 2x chopped tomatoes, tinned peas, 2x tinned soup, and oats
• Total cost: £4.50
• Result: a selection of non-perishable goods in your cupboard so you’re never caught out!

Collecting Your Order

Once you have added all your chosen items to your basket, the collection process is simple!

1. Checkout your basket (remembering to enter your student number when prompted!)
2. Wait for confirmation: The Union will email you once your order is ready to collect
3. Head to The Union Shop between 2pm and 4pm the following Thursday
4. Bring your student ID: show your student ID to one of the friendly staff members in the shop, pick up your items, and you’re good to go!

Remember, if you have any questions about collection (or anything else!) don’t hesitate to contact The Union hello@upsu.net. 

Ready to shop? Go to The Union Student Pantry Shop and make your first order!