Why part-time job may not be enough for university students to meet basic standard of living
The rising pressure that university students face
- A new report indicates that university students in England must undertake over 20 hours of paid work weekly to meet basic living costs.
- The Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) found that the maximum annual maintenance loan covers only half the costs for first-year students.
- Hepi recommends increasing maintenance support to a level that allows students a 'minimum socially acceptable standard of living', suggesting it should be pegged to inflation.
- The report highlights that extensive part-time work negatively impacts students' academic engagement and overall university experience.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the cost-of-living pressures on students, stating the government is exploring options to provide better support.