Wednesday 10-04-2024 - 10:28

This is my story. But truthfully, this is the story of the majority of students living the cost-of-living crisis. I know what you’re thinking: ‘Here we go; another article about students not being able to afford rent, or skip out on meals. The overtold tale of financial woes.’ But unfortunately, this is a tale that resonates with so many students. But you are not alone:

 

I enrolled at Edge Hill University in September 2021, onto my undergraduate Biotechnology course, with big dreams to get my degree and get into life changing work. However, before I could begin my journey, I had to dive into full-time work, as soon as I finished my A-levels. I clocked 40 hours a week at a local warehouse, earning £10 per hour. Sounds promising, right? Yet, beneath the surface lay sacrifices—no leisurely summers or heartfelt farewells with friends. Every penny earned was a lifeline for the looming expenses of university—a choice many of us face.

 

First semester of university: my student loan drops. £4,422. But after a quick look at the numbers, I realise that these finances do not cover my rent, let alone my food or social life. In order to sustain a healthy lifestyle and take care of my well-being, I had to take on a part time job, on top of my full-time studies. I worked 16 hours weekly, earning minimum wage and compromising valuable time and energy I needed to put towards my degree. Show of hands to all the 18-year-olds living the same lifestyle?

 

Initially, it was manageable, and I embraced the grind. But as assignment deadlines and upcoming exams began to loom on the horizon, it became more overwhelming. Yet, through it all, I worked. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. 

 

I know that I have not said anything new. I know this because 410 of you answered my survey back in December 2023, echoing this message. 60% of that 410, work part time jobs on top of full-time degrees. If I were to ask every single one of you why, I would love to hear answers like, ‘to gain work experience,’ or ‘for the extra pocket money.’ However, in reality, it is to make ends meet, more often than not.

 

My story is that of a girl just getting by, but it is only the tip of the iceberg of a larger, saddening reality for students. Students who are forced to skip meals, buy less nourishing food and sacrifice their mental wellbeing. Sacrifices are made– choosing cheaper meals over healthier options, skipping meals to afford social outings, or even missing out on career-building opportunities because we can't afford the travel. Students deserve to thrive at university without having to sacrifice their well-being. This amount of compromise has dire consequences on our mental health and overall happiness.

 

After our student loan comes in, we are all in the same boat of struggling, surviving, and trying our very hardest to succeed. To be quite honest, I am frustrated. This isn't how I thought life at university would be, and it has taken a great toll on my well-being. Despite this, we put on a brave face for our loved ones at home, those who are proud of our accomplishments and new-found independence. We fear letting them down, so we continue to power through. We go hungry, we smile, we work hard and slave away for our degrees. And above all, we hope that it will get better when we graduate.

 

As summer beckons, the cycle begins anew—work, study, smile. Rinse and repeat, with each year blurring into the next. It's not a choice; it's a survival instinct, honed by circumstance and necessity. The narrative of students being financially irresponsible, or asking for too much is wrong and unfair. The reality is that students are scraping by, because it is our only option.

 

It would be different if this were a choice, but unfortunately my hand has been forced to survive and grow, and I know this is something that will resonate with many of you. The purpose of this article is to say, I get it. This issue is so much bigger than us, which is why we must appeal to higher powers to have our voices heard. Get online, sign petitions, share your story online. It’s tough out here, but things will get easier if we work together to implement change. If no one else has told you this already, I am so proud of how far you have come during this overwhelming and confusing time. You’re doing great sweetie! 

Check out the National Union of Students website for more information and campaigns regarding cost of living: https://www.nus.org.uk/