The Pantry

We know that university can be expensive and that all students are affected by the cost of living. That’s why, with funding from Durham University, we’re launching the Pantry. It follows work by our 2025/26 Officer team, who successfully lobbied the university to commit £150,000 of investment in the students’ union.

The Pantry is Durham SU’s free student supermarket. From cupboard essentials to toiletries, you can pick up what you need and make your budget go a little further when you’re feeling stretched.

How does it work?

The Pantry is located on B Level of Dunelm House, opposite Kingsgate.

Simply pop in during opening hours and choose from the items available, including pantry staples, toiletries and household essentials. Our friendly Pantry staff team will be on hand to help during your visit. You don’t need to bring anything with you. Just turn up, browse what’s available and take what you need.

Your SU is here for every student. Whether you need a few essentials or more regular support, you can use The Pantry based on what you need. There’s no application or referral process, and accessing The Pantry won’t affect your studies or student experience.

Support

We want to make sure that students have access to the support they may need while at Durham. Here are some useful resources to get you started.

Durham SU Advice Service – we offer independent, advice and guidance.
Student Money Advice – this service offers personalised financial support and advice.
Durham University's Student Support Fund – this fund intends to help students who are unable to meet their essential living and studying costs, and who have no other reasonable sources of income.
Durham University Scholarships – information on all University- wide scholarships in one place.
Instanct Access Hardship Fund – this fund is available for students in need of immediate financial assistance, including food or transport vouchers.
College and Department Scholarships – this is the hub of all college and department specific scholarships and grants you could apply for.

Getting in touch

Have a question or want to find out more? Get in touch at student.pantry@durham.ac.uk, and our Pantry team will get back to you.

Frequently asked questions

The Pantry is for all Durham students in need of a helping hand. Whether you stop by once or on a more regular basis, it is here for you. There are no criteria, and there isn’t an application or referral process.

Each student can collect up to 5 items per week. You can either get your items all at once or pop in throughout the week.

As often as you need to! There isn’t a limit on how many times you can access The Pantry. All we ask is that you only take what you need.

Here is what a typical visit will look like:

One of our Pantry staff will welcome you to the space, ask you to complete a consent form and check whether you’ve visited already that week.
You will then have a chance to choose your items from what is available.
The Pantry staff will note down the items you’ve chosen in order to keep track of stock.

We have a range of items available, but what we have in stock will change week by week. Typically, we will have items such as dried pasta/rice, canned goods, sauces, spices, frozen foods, soft drinks, snacks, period products, toiletries, kitchen and cleaning basics.