Sanitary Products at UWS
To support you to participate fully in university life, UWS are providing free sanitary products for students who need them while on campus. You’ll find a variety of products available in numerous locations around all of our campuses, available for you to use when needed.
Products in your Community
The right to free period products became law in Scotland in 2022 (although provision of free products has been in place for a few years in education settings). While UWS will cater for your needs while on campus, the primary source for you to access products for free is through your local authority.
Your local authority website is the best place to start and will likely have a list of public venues, such as libraries, community centres and leisure centres, where you can access products. We’ve included direct links to the most relevant local authority websites below.
You can also download the PickupMyPeriod app (Android or Apple) which links to venues in many communities where free products are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of products are available at UWS?
We a range of products available, including sanitary towels and tampons of varying absorbency. You’ll find this range of products in each of the locations detailed above, so you can choose which best suits you.
Are products limited?
We hope to ensure this scheme delivers access to free sanitary products to all students in need, but rely on students treating the scheme fairly and with respect.
Remember that, in Scotland, the primary source for you to access products for free is through your local authority, so you will have multiple locations from where you can access this service.
We would ask that you refrain from taking a large supply of products from campus locations as this only means nothing is left for an individual who might need a product urgently.
I'm going on placement/vacation for a few weeks, can I still access free products?
If you are going to be away from campus, whether that be for a holiday, placement etc., stock up in advance via your local authority (see links above).
Further Information and Advice
Advice about Periods
Advice about Toxic Shock Syndrome
Click on the button below to find out more about Scotland’s approach to becoming the first country in the world to protect in law the right to access free period products for anyone who needs them:
Last updated: 11/06/2025