Bournemouth University (BU) is set to relaunch its laptop loan scheme in September 2025, thanks to sustained lobbying from the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU).
The original scheme had been removed due to the growing cost of replacing outdated equipment, with many laptops previously in use being over seven years old. However, its removal left some students without access to essential technology.
The proposal was led by Grace Egbonna Ehiosun, SUBU’s Vice-President Education for the 2024/25 academic year, and Cat Morris, Faculty Officer for Science & Technology.
Recognising the importance of digital inclusion, SUBU proposed a series of actions to support students impacted. These included identifying those without easy access to technology and lobbying for a full return of the scheme.
The new service will officially launch in September 2025, where students can loan and return laptops via the IT Service Desk at Talbot Campus. Around 30 laptops will be made available for two-week periods, with final confirmation expected in August.
As part of the wider effort to improve student access to learning resources, BU has also confirmed that all new students joining in September 2025 will receive a £1 print credit added to their account.
Professor Shelley Thompson, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Bournemouth University, said: “Following valuable feedback from our students, we're delighted to reinstitute the laptop loan scheme at BU to ensure we offer inclusive ways to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed academically.
“This new scheme, which will be offered through the libraries, has been developed in partnership with SUBU and demonstrates the power of listening to student feedback and working collaboratively to enhance the supportive and inclusive learning environment at BU.”
Esther Chinenye Isaiah, SUBU President, added: “We are really proud to see the reintroduction of the laptop loan scheme at BU. This is a great example of how student voices lead to real change, and we are grateful to students and the university for making this happen.
“After hearing concerns from students who were disadvantaged by the scheme’s removal, Grace and Cat have worked hard and closely with the Library Team, IT Team, and the University to secure its return.
“We believe that no student should be held back due to lack of access to essential technology, and the reintroduction of this scheme will help mitigate that.”