A survey has suggested that students face financial and mental health concerns as soaring prices affect their well-being. More than eight in 10 of those asked said they worried about making ends meet, with the average maintenance loan falling short of living costs.
Read the rest of the article here: https://www.ipgce.com/for-months-students-continue-to-address-concerns/
Contact us here: https://www.ipgce.com/contact-us
The survey, run by the website Save The Student, suggested that four in five had considered the prospect of dropping out of university. Half of those blamed money worries.
According to the National Union of Students (NUS), the cost of living has risen by up to three times the inflation rate in recent years. Rent and utility bills have been among the biggest increases, with students facing higher costs for food and travel. “This is the most worried I’ve ever been about the financial situation students face,” said Save The Student’s Jake Butler. “We’re seeing more and more students struggling to afford essentials, turning to foodbanks and taking on extra jobs just to get by.”
The NUS has called on the government to increase maintenance loans and grants and for universities to do more to help students with the cost of living.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We recognise that the cost of living is a concern for students, which is why we are providing more support than ever before.
“Maintenance loans have increased by up to £3,475 since 2016 and, with our new postgraduate loan programme, Masters students can now also access up to £10,609.” In addition, the government said it was providing £7.65bn of extra funding for universities to invest in facilities and services, including accommodation, over the next five years.
But Mr Butler said more needed to be done. “The government can’t simply rely on universities to make the difference – they need to fund maintenance grants and loans properly.” Without that, he warned, “students will continue to face real hardship”.
These students have shared their experiences of struggling to make ends meet: “This is the most worried I’ve ever been about the financial situation students face,” said Save The Student’s Jake Butler. “We’re seeing more and more students struggling to afford essentials, turning to foodbanks and taking on extra jobs just to get by.”
The NUS has called on the government to increase maintenance loans and grants and for universities to do more to help students with the cost of living.
What should the government do to help?
Contact Us Directly on WeChat or WhatsApp
Meet Our Successful Graduates: Learn how our courses have propelled graduates into rewarding
careers. Explore their success stories here!
Discover More About Your Future: Interested in advancing your teaching career? Explore our
IPGCE, MA, and QTS courses today!
Explore Our Courses: Ready to take the next
step in your education journey? View our
comprehensive course offerings now!