Period products on campus

Where can I find free period products?

Period product dispensers stocked with pads and tampons will be available in the following locations, in gender-neutral toilets where possible:

• Wates House (gender-neutral)
• The Hideout (gender-neutral)
• Hillside Food Court
• MySurrey Hive Stag Hill (gender-neutral).

The dispensers will be restocked regularly, so please help yourself to the products you need. These can be for yourself or someone else you know who is struggling to get access to period products. Sometimes those of us who menstruate just get caught out or start our period unexpectedly and you’re welcome to use the products in this instance too.

The initiative is designed to promote period dignity and tackle period poverty at university, because everyone who experiences periods deserves to manage them with confidence.

So, what is period poverty?

Period poverty is a term that is used to describe the high cost of period products, as well as the lack of education and stigma that surround periods. By this definition, period poverty impacts everyone who experiences periods.  So, whatever your reason, please know that there is no shame in needing to take products from the dispensers.

Period poverty is typically seen as an external issue affecting lower income countries only. However, it is still experienced in the UK, and it has increased since the cost-of-living crisis. According to the charity Plan International UK, over one in four (28%) of girls and women aged 14-21 are struggling to afford period products.

The same survey by Plan UK revealed that many of the people struggling to afford period products since the start of 2022 had to cut back on food and groceries to be able to buy them, with many also having to cut back on education-related supplies and non-prescription health products.

We understand that lack of access to period products can be a barrier to education and a positive student experience by causing women and other people who experience periods to:

• Miss out on timetabled teaching because they do not have access to the products they need.
• Cut back on other essential items which would otherwise benefit their health to manage their periods.  
• Avoid social situations because they do not have access to the products they need to manage their period with dignity.

As a University, we aim to deliver an excellent student experience for all students regardless of background. Period products are an essential item - not a luxury - and providing equal access to period products means that no one needs to suffer the indignity of managing their period without. Having access to safe and sustainable period products means that you can focus on your education and overall wellbeing, helping you to achieve your potential and make the most of your time at Surrey.

A focus on sustainable products 

We will continue to supply the same sustainable Grace & Green products piloted last year. Grace & Green products are made with organic cotton and bamboo, without pesticides, dyes, bleaches, and other toxic chemicals. The packaging used is either recyclable or biodegradable, including the tampon applicators.