QUEEN Margaret University in Musselburgh is in the running for a top accolade for a cost-busting scheme with which it is supporting its students.

Its initiative ‘Thank Goodness It’s Thursday’ (TGIT) is helping them through the cost-of-living crisis by offering free meals, weekend meal packs and social activities.

QMU is one of 27 finalists in the 2023 College & University Business Officers (CUBO) awards, which celebrate the best innovations and initiatives in higher education’s commercial and campus services.

It has been shortlisted in the 2023 CUBO Innovation in Student Experience award category.

Senior lecturer Dr Kat Lord-Watson, who has led the development of TGIT, said: “We are delighted that our fantastic TGIT initiative, which provides QMU’s students with free meals, weekend meal packs and social activities in a warm, friendly campus environment, has been recognised in the shortlist for the CUBO awards.”

Sarah Whigham, head of commercial services, said: “TGIT, which is a partnership project supported by QMU, the students’ union and our catering partner BaxterStorey, is an important part of QMU’s wider work in helping students navigate the cost-of-living crisis.

“Run by staff volunteers from across the University, TGIT offers students some respite from soaring food and fuel costs.

“Bringing students together in a welcoming, cosy environment on campus, where they can enjoy free hot meals, socialise with students and staff, and take part in social activities, has helped strengthen student and staff bonds, and reduce isolation and loneliness amongst the student community.

“With hundreds of students benefitting from TGIT, Thursdays at QMU have become known as the best night of the week.”

The announcement of the winners takes place at the award ceremony at the CUBO Summer Conference in Glasgow this evening (Thursday).