In fact, it has now come to light that almost a third of UK students are resorting to regularly skipping meals this academic year in order to make ends meet and complete their degrees, despite many receiving full maintenance loans and even university bursaries.
Along with voicing concerns about student eating habits, the recent survey, carried out for the Sutton Trust - a charity addressing educational disadvantage and advocating social mobility – also found that nearly a quarter of UK students feel “less likely” to be able to complete their degree because of the financial pressures they’re facing. As well as this, almost half have stopped or significantly reduced their social activities in a desperate effort to save the pennies.
Whilst students up and down the nation see their physical and mental wellbeing put in jeopardy once again, questions are being asked about what the future holds for those financially struggling their way through higher education. Not only have these questions arisen, but also questions surrounding where responsibility lies in terms of providing them with a solution.
Students up and down the nation see their physical and mental wellbeing put in jeopardy once again
Some universities have made efforts to alleviate the financial burden currently weighing on their pupils, like the affordable meals initiative introduced by Newcastle University last semester and recently extended, offering £1 breakfast and lunch options across campus in a bid to eradicate student hunger. Yet, criticism continues to be directed at universities up and down the country, with many arguing that institutions are simply not doing enough to support their students and keep them in education.
Meanwhile, others remain adamant that blame should be levelled at the current government and their lack of funding allocated to students during a time of such immense need. In response to the survey results – described as “scandalous” by Sir Peter Lampl, chair of the Sutton Trust - Matt Western, Labour’s shadow higher education minister, said: “The scale of the crisis has been building for months after the Conservatives crashed the economy, yet ministers have failed to take the action necessary to support students.” Students interviewed as part of the survey were also quick to voice their frustrations, with one admitting “now more than ever, I feel that the government just expect parents and families to help support students and young people, yet this is not an option for me.”
The UK government have offered to alleviate some of the economic burdens facing pupils. A spokesperson for England’s Department for Education recognising that “students continue to face financial challenges, which is why we are increasing loans and grants for living and other costs for a further year”. Yet, as the Sutton Trust survey reveals the true extent of student poverty faced by the nation’s current cohort - with many pupils forced to approach already struggling family members for financial support or becoming increasingly reliant on universities for additional funding during their bleak and hopeless struggle – it’s likely that university financial support schemes like that at Newcastle, together with government action will be needed for longer and on a larger scale if students are to stay in university and finish their degrees both healthily and happily.