The Struggle is Real: How Tertiary Students in the UK are Coping with the Current Cost of Living Crisis
The cost of living crisis in the UK has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months, with many struggling to make ends meet. Tertiary students, in particular, have been hit hard by the rising costs of living, fuel, and education. As fees and living expenses continue to rise, students are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, leading to a sense of financial struggle and uncertainty.
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Union of Students, 75% of students reported feeling anxious or stressed about their finances, with 40% stating that they had to borrow money from friends or family to cover basic expenses. Another 25% reported having to take on part-time jobs to make ends meet, resulting in extended work hours and a significant decrease in study time.
So, how are students in the UK coping with the current cost of living crisis? We spoke to several students from different universities across the country to get their perspective on the situation.
The Struggle is Real: Student Perspectives
We spoke to Emily, a 20-year-old final-year student at the University of Manchester, who shared her struggles with us. "I’m already £10,000 in debt from my student loan, and I’m not sure how I’m going to pay it off after graduation," she said. "I’ve had to take on a part-time job just to make ends meet, which leaves me with very little time for studying. It’s exhausting, and I’m constantly worried about falling behind in my studies."
Another student, 22-year-old Dave from the University of Bristol, echoed similar concerns. "I live in a shared flat with three other students, but we’re all struggling to keep up with the rent. We’re having to cut back on non-essentials like eating out and going to the cinema. It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re constantly worried about your finances."
The Impact on Mental Health
The stress and anxiety associated with financial struggles can have a significant impact on mental health. We spoke to 21-year-old Sophie, a first-year student at the University of Leeds, who revealed that she’s been experiencing anxiety attacks due to the financial pressure. "It’s like this constant weight on my shoulders. I’m always worrying about how I’m going to pay my bills, and it’s affecting my relationships and my studies. I feel like I’m stuck in this never-ending cycle of debt and anxiety."
Supporting Students: Can the UK’s Higher Education System Change?
While the situation is dire, there are initiatives and solutions being implemented to support students. For instance, some universities are providing additional financial assistance, such as bursaries and scholarships, to help alleviate the burden. Additionally, organizations like the National Union of Students are pushing for reforms to the student finance system, calling for more affordable tuition fees and a more sustainable funding model.
What Can be Done?
As the cost of living crisis continues to affect tertiary students in the UK, it’s crucial that policymakers, educators, and society as a whole take notice and work towards finding solutions. Some potential solutions include:
- Reviewing tuition fees and funding models to make education more affordable and accessible.
- Providing more financial assistance to students, such as bursaries and scholarships.
- Supporting students with mental health services and resources to help manage stress and anxiety.
- Encouraging employers to offer flexible work arrangements for part-time students to help balance work and study responsibilities.
Conclusion
The struggle is real for tertiary students in the UK, and it’s essential that we, as a society, acknowledge the gravity of the situation. It’s not just a matter of individual choice or financial prudence; it’s a systemic issue that requires a collaborative effort to find solutions. By working together, we can create a more affordable and sustainable education system that supports the well-being and success of students.
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