New data reveals impact of the cost of living crisis on university students

• 91% of students were worried about the rising cost of living, with half (49%) saying they were very worried.
• More than three-quarters (77%) of students were concerned that the rising cost of living may affect how well they do in their studies
• Around 45% of students reported their mental health and well-being had worsened since the start of the autumn term 2022.

The survey which was released today and carried out by the Office of National Statistics found that half (49%) of students felt they had financial difficulties, with the crisis also having an adverse effect on their mental wellbeing, as 45% of students reported their mental health had worsened in the last few months since the start of the autumn term.

In total, 4000 students took part in the survey, which is one of the largest of its kind looking into how the crisis is affecting university students.

Universities UK (UUK) is seeking ways to support universities in doing all they can to alleviate pressures for students and staff. Led by Professor Karen Cox, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Kent, with the support from UUK – which represents 140 universities – will be informed by shared practice, taking inspiration from the work done by member institutions.

Professor Karen Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Kent said:

Despite the findings from the survey, universities across the UK are working proactively to help reduce the financial and mental burden being caused by the crisis, with institutions offering a wave of comprehensive support.

From daily meal deals to increasing hardship funding, universities are working hard to tackle the issues affecting students by offering practical remedies. Many universities are working in lockstep with their student unions to get a better sense of how best to support their students.

The University of Essex, through the help of their student union, is a great example of an institution working to reduce the impact of the crisis on not just their students but also low wage staff. The university recently introduced all day meal deals where students and staff alike can enjoy a hot meal any day of the week for just £2.

Other initiatives include the trebling of the student hardship fund which as a response to the crisis went from £489,000 to £1.5 million. Like other institutions the university has also put a freeze on things such as accommodation costs and through their collaboration with the student union reduced the price of essential groceries, counteracting rising supermarket costs.

The university is also providing free food through their latest weekly initiative called ‘Warm Welcome’. The event enables students to come together in different warm spaces to share their experiences and tips to one another and reduce feelings of isolation as well as cut their energy bills.

Nashwa Alsakka, Student Union President at the University of Essex, said:

Speaking on the challenges for students taking the extra support, she added:

Professor Madeline Eacott, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Essex said:

Like many other universities across the UK, Sheffield Hallam is also focussing their efforts on providing a more pragmatic approach to supporting students. The university is offering tangibles like free access to the top 100 e-books to enable students to save on textbook expenses and introducing daily deals in their canteen where the cost of food and drink will be £1 for any item all day. The university have also offered to cover costs of graduation gowns for the most hard-hit students and will be doubling the International Emergency Fund to support international students.

Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Chris Husbands, said:

Universities across the UK are responding to the cost of living crisis in the UK. The University of Aberdeen for example, has hosted various pop-up events to raise awareness of budgeting, money management, and distributed hundreds of 'dinner on us' kits while reinforcing positive behaviours on living independently and managing budgets. The university also offer free breakfast options every Tuesday and Thursday and have extended opening hours of campus locations to ensure students have access to warm spaces during the winter. 

In Wales, Swansea University has increased the amount of funding available and reassessed their assessment criteria for hardship funds for 2022–23. The student union has been working with local government and Plaid Cymru to lobby for policy change to support students in rental properties. They are also hosting a series of free breakfasts on the university’s campuses.

Professor Steve West CBE, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, said: