by Hammad Alam

In the face of a relentless cost of living crisis, students across the UK are grappling with the harsh reality of financial strain. The burden of higher tuition fees, soaring accommodation costs, and the day-to-day expenses have pushed many students to the edge, forcing them into longer work hours just to make ends meet.

As the pressure mounts, university students are finding it increasingly challenging to strike a balance between their academic responsibilities and financial obligations.

For Asad Khan, a student from University of the West of Scotland, managing the complexities of tuition fees, living expenses, and daily costs has become an uphill battle. “I often feel stressed about money, which makes it hard to focus on my studies and stay happy. Managing finances affects both my education and well-being,” says Khan, echoing the sentiments of countless others.

Javed Sattar, a lecturer at New College Lanarkshire, says that “International students, in particular, are facing a unique set of challenges like steep fee structures and housing shortages. Universities and policymakers must work together for sustainable solutions. This includes changing tuition fees, offering more financial aid and affordable housing. Providing career guidance and financial education helps students make better choices,” he further said.

The desperation caused by rising expenses has led students like Rajni Devi from Edinburgh University to seek part-time employment. However, this additional responsibility comes at a cost. She reveals the harsh reality of juggling work and studies, stating, “I sometimes have to skip classes to fulfill work duties, and this negatively impacts my grades. It’s a constant challenge for me.”

In a recent survey conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), it was revealed that more than half of the 10,000 students surveyed did paid work during term time. The study indicated a significant increase in the number of UK students with jobs while studying, rising from 34% in 2021 to 55% in the current year. Most students reported using their wages to support their studies, and 28% of those working 10 or more hours stated they needed the money to cover a majority of their living costs.

Amidst these difficulties, students are raising their voices, demanding affordable education and financial relief. The call for action is clear: policymakers, universities, and institutions must join forces to address this pressing issue. The solutions lie in changing tuition fee structures, providing more financial aid, offering affordable housing, and delivering essential career guidance and financial education.