Results from a study released today (January 26) show the damaging effects of the cost of living crisis on university students. Rising university costs and a lack of helpful funding means many are taking on more hours of work, asking parents for help and even using food banks or skipping meals to save money.
The Sutton Trust has released it’s data from a recent survey of university students . The survey was to show how the cost of living crisis has affected them. Through increased utility bills to insufficient maintenance loans, the results show that whilst all students are suffering, working class students are the worst off.
Increasing University Costs Has Dramatic Results
The Sutton Trust survey was take by over 1000 students across the UK. It focused on the effects of the cost of living crisis. The results show that students across the country are suffering in their education and day-to-day lives because of insufficient funds.
Lets look at how their studies have been affected. Almost a fifth of students reported that they couldn’t afford universities supplies that were necessary for their course. 27 per cent said they they have taken on more paid work to help with costs. This meant they have less time for their studies.
One student spoke out about their lack of time. “The cost of living crisis is making me worries and stressed as I’ve had to sacrifice my study time to get a job to support my financial needs.”
Lots of university students have also made the decision to move back home to save on accommodation and utility costs. This then means they’ve got a longer commute, less access to facilities and have lost out on their independence.
The Cost Of Living Crisis Means Students Are Skipping Meals
As well as their studies being massively affected, students are struggling to afford food. At best, two thirds are cutting down on the amount they spend on their food shop.
However, over a quarter of students said that they have resorted to skipping meals to cut back on costs. There are even some having to use food banks. Whilst many are able to ask for financial support from parents and other loved ones, this simply isn’t feasible for others.
“I come from a low-income household so I haven’t got the ability to ask my family for financial support.”
As well as being able to afford food, one student explained other areas that they have had to cut back.
“Currently, I’m only eating 2 meals a day and skipping meals; walking to campus more to avoid paying for transport; spending less on food shopping; reducing the times I socialise with friends and had to get a job.”
Over 10 per cent of students have received financial hardship fundings from their university. Some even reported taking out private loans to help with rising university costs.
Many of the problems have risen due to insufficient maintenance loans for students. Though the latest inflation rise was 10.5 per cent, maintenance loans in Wales have only increased by 9.4 per cent. This is even worse in England where the increase was less than 3 per cent.
The Sutton Trust Appeal To The Government To Do More
Peter Lamp, founder of The Sutton Trust has appealed to the UK Government to review the funding available to students as soon as possible.
“The Government should urgently review the amount of funding available to students during the cost of living crisis, to ensure all students can afford to take part fully in their course and wider university life without facing financial hardship.”
This comes after both the National Union of Students and university heads have made similar appeals.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the Department of Education would be freezing tuition fees for another academic year. Also announced was an extra £15 million in university funding to help the students suffering the most.
However, clearly the Government needs to step in a do more for students so they can afford basic necessities. Going to university should not mean giving up meals.