The cost of living crisis and the impact on working class education

Back in January, The Guardian reported how students are skipping meals and relying on hardship funds and family support because of the cost of living crisis, with one in four saying they are in danger of dropping out of university, according to a survey. 

Research carried out for the Sutton Trust found nearly a quarter of the 1,000 UK students interviewed said they were “less likely” to be able to complete their degree because of cost pressures, while one in three from working class families said they were cutting down on food to save money. 

While nearly half of students have approached their families for extra help, many of those from disadvantaged or poorer backgrounds said they were less likely or unable to do so. 

One student, currently studying in England, said in an interview they were only eating two meals a day, spending less on food shopping and working part-time to pay their bills, despite receiving a full maintenance loan and bursary from their university. 

“The cost of living crisis is making me worried and stressed as I’ve now had to sacrifice my study time to get a job to support my financial needs." 

“Balancing all-day university clinical placements and working is impacting my academics. I come from a low-income household so I haven’t got the ability to ask my family for financial support,” the student said. 

The Morning Star have also reported that young people are turning away from higher education amid the continuing cost-of-living crisis, new research suggests. A study by the Co-op and children’s charity Barnardo’s indicated a shift in financially prioritising basic needs. 

A survey of over 5,000 10 to 25-year-olds across the UK uncovered the “stark impact” that the rising cost-of-living is having on young people’s access to food, mental wellbeing, and opportunities for the future. 

Financial issues were said to be causing young people to struggle to afford to feed themselves. More than a third of respondents said their family have had issues paying for or accessing food, with the same number having used food support such as food banks over the past six months. 

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “The cost-of-living crisis has had a seismic impact on young people, with many having to prioritise basic needs over long-term career goals and aspirations."