In November, Newcastle Student Union conducted a cost-of-living survey of students, finding that a whopping 70% of students are negatively affected by the cost of living, with 30% of NCL students considering dropping out of university due to affordability.
This number, when compared to the 14% of students nationwide that considered leaving university due to costs, is particularly significant. Over two times the number of students in Newcastle have considered leaving compared to across the UK, this is hugely disproportionate and there must be further research regarding this.
"30% of Newcastle University Students considered dropping out due to financial concerns"
NUSU Cost of Living Survey 2025
The survey also found that 58% of Newcastle University students have skipped a meal or eat less for financial reasons at least once a month. This is extremely concerning, particularly with the decision by Newcastle University to scrap the £1 affordable meals scheme.
The NUSU survey found that 65% of students struggled to pay rent or bills within the past year. This is also significant due to the disproportionate rise in rent for Newcastle university owned accommodation.
The cost of rent leads to significant hardship for students, both in academic and social life. The national union of students found that 75% of students will be unable to afford course materials without more support.
The national union of students also found that over a third of students living off less than £50 a month once they’d paid Rent and Bills, with 96% of students cutting back due to cost of living. This is particularly damaging for students’ social life, with 72% of students surveyed suggesting they skip social activities due to financial reasons, and 63% unable to join a club or society due to unaffordability.
This level of financial hardship existing across the university is unacceptable and something must be done to change it.