The cost of living could create a “two-tier” university system, a leading youth organization has warned.
The Social Mobility Foundation has said it is “concerned” that people from poorer backgrounds will have to work while wealthier peers enjoy the “college experience”.
“It’s never been a level playing field,” says Sarah Atkinson, general manager.
“But we’re looking at a two-tier system for this cohort,” she adds.
Along with the extra work, Sarah says, more students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are concerned about money and are living at home while studying.
In recent weeks, student unions have said they must step in to help students cope with rising food costs.
For Jake Wilson, a sophomore in psychology at the University of Bolton, the cost of living crisis is causing him additional stress.
He also works at the student union to supplement his student loan – but Jake, who has faced homelessness in the past, says it’s not enough to cover his bills and rent.
“As a student, you already have enough stress without having to worry about food and heating,” says the 25-year-old.
The charity, which helps improve opportunities for young people, said in a survey it conducted of 1,819 students that 44% of students from a lower socio-economic background are considering finding a job, compared with 29% with one higher socioeconomic background.
Alice, a first-year student studying film and TV special effects at the University of Bolton, says the statistics are “disturbing” to hear.
She says “the sad thing” is people in her class who get good grades and aren’t as stressed, who are “lucky enough not to be working all week.”
“It’s annoying because I love my course so much, but it’s very difficult just trying to get the grades I really want.”
Ansh Sachdeva, a third-year sports coaching and development student at the same university, says it can be really difficult for international students as they can’t get the same level of financial aid as students in England.
“I have to pay bills in installments because we can’t pay that much money during this time, so it’s a big problem,” says the 24-year-old.
This, he adds, “can be detrimental to mental health.”
According to the Studentenwerk, the university offers hot meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and students can have groceries delivered to their homes from Tafeln.
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The government’s online advice says students should contact student union departments for financial aid from universities.
An Education Department spokesman said that to help students with living expenses it has “increased maintenance loans every year, meaning disadvantaged students now have access to the highest amounts of money ever”.
“Students concerned about making ends meet should speak to their university about the support they can enlist.”
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