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June 2023 - Education

28% of students have skipped meals because of the cost of living crisis: A survey of 1,000 students has revealed that more than a quarter have been skipping meals to save on food costs, with 63% spending less on food and essentials to help cut costs as well.

The survey was carried out by Savanta for Sutton Trust to help understand more about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on students in the UK, particularly those from working class families. Although it's a known fact that the majority of students operate on a tight budget, this survey was devised to dig a little deeper into their current situation.

The survey revealed insight into students’ current financial challenges, with around half of those polled saying they have skipped academic lessons to go to a part-time job to help cover the increasing, and high costs. The survey also revealed that students from working class families were 9% more likely to skip meals (33%), compared to those from middle class families (24%) -- highlighting the struggle for students who may not be able to go their parents for financial support. Indeed, 45% of students reported turning to their parents for financial support.

The research also revealed that a quarter of students believe they are less likely to finish their degree due to struggling with costs.

Speaking about the survey findings, Sir Peter Lampl, chair of Sutton Trust, said: “To make sure that students can afford to fully take part in their course and wider university life, the Sutton Trust is calling for the government to urgently review the amount of funding and support available to students.”

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