Prices on selected items at USU venues have risen up to 8% this year, impacting students with increased cost of living pressures.
Coffee, baked goods and sandwiches are among those affected. The price of a regular coffee soared to $4.30 compared with $3.80 last year. The shift also increases the venues’ credit card surcharge, now 1.35%. The USU’s catering arm, HOSTCo, was not affected by the change.
USU President, Bryson Constable, said the decision was owed to “extreme financial pressures,” blaming a nationwide increase in the cost of goods. However, sources inside the USU told Honi that the financial pressures facing the organisation were minimal, with a projected surplus in 2025 of almost $470 thousand. The USU Board was not consulted nor informed of the price increase.
“The 2025 increase was a decision made by management on the sound advice of our finance team,” said Constable.
Student Representative Council President, Angus Fisher, said the hike was “surprising and disappointing,” and worsened the financial situation for students already dealing with increased rental costs.
“University outlets should be a cheap alternative to off-campus dining options,” he said.
This year, the University of Melbourne introduced $5 dollar student meals at its campus canteen, half the price of a hot meal at Courtyard. Fisher said this should be a model for the USU. He also expressed disappointment that the decision was made without consulting or notifying either the SRC or SUPRA, stating this proves the move was not driven by students’ interests.
Founded in 1874, the University of Sydney Union (USU) is an unincorporated member’s association of students, originally designed to provide facilities and services. In 2006 membership became free and voluntary, with funding now paid by students’ SSAF fees.
Last year, Honi reported that current conservative Board leaders, Constable and Ben Hines were seeking to incorporate the USU. The move has been criticised by some on the Board, who see incorporation, and attempts to reduce reliance on SSAF as being counter to student’s interests.
Despite doubts raised on the supposedly troubled finances of the USU, Constable also linked the hike to warnings about egg, coffee beans and fresh produce shortages earlier this year. In January, experts warned that the price of a regular coffee could explode to $8 after imported Brazilian beans doubled in price. Eggs have also been scarce following an outbreak of bird flu in 2024. However, in an interview with SBS News, Egg Federation Australia head, Melinda Hashimoto said that supply should return to normal by mid-year. Coffee prices have also remained stable.
Constable also justified the change by highlighting the change to the USU Rewards Membership. Compared with last year’s 10% discount, those holding the premium plan can now get up to 20% off food, beverage and other merchandise. Constable also cited a range of other existing policies by the USU including free meals at the International Student’s Lounge and Coffee Happy Hour as mitigating the increase.
