Research conducted by Yugo found that UK students’ lives are more greatly impacted by the cost-of-living crisis than students in the USA, Australia, Ireland, Germany and Spain. The study was conducted on over 6000 students from the aforementioned countries, and found that large numbers of students expressed concerns about the rising cost of living. This ranged from watching what they spent to how they felt about available support. However, on the whole, statistics show that 53% of UK students reported being impacted by the crisis, which was the same as Australia, but worse than any other country in the study.
Changing lifestyle
Overall, approximately 80% of the student population in these countries were actively cutting their spending. In the UK, it’s clear that the students are changing their habits and lifestyles as a results. 56% were buying fewer new clothes, 59% were spending less on eating out and 26% were spending less on essential items. These essential goods included important items for their university, such as books. Other research has also found that UK students are struggling to buy all the goods they need. This has lead to many needing to use food banks to survive.
Government support
Many were also dissatisfied with their government’s support, which was also worse in the UK than other places. Just under three quarters of UK students felt let down by the government and felt they should be doing more. This figure was slightly higher among students in Ireland, however students in Spain, Germany, Australia and the US seemed to be less dissatisfied.
Being more environmentally conscious
The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on UK students has also encouraged them to be more environmentally-conscious. 60% of students in the UK felt more inspired, with a third choosing using cheaper and more sustainable transportation modes. However, these figures were lower than other countries, where 85% of students in Australia and the US were encouraged to be more environmentally-conscious.
Outlook
There are clear concerns highlighted by the student community. In the UK, 62% of students said they would have reconsidered going to university if the biggest impacts had been felt at the time they applied. This number of students was higher than in other countries. This arguably suggests that the UK may have trouble attracting students if things don’t change.
Furthermore, Yugo’s research revealed that 59% of UK students believe the impacts aren’t going anywhere. Many feel it will increase the wealth divide, reduce opportunities and increase political division. The study is rather worrying, however we’re hoping that this kind of research will inspire change and more support!
