Wednesday 31-08-2022 - 09:00

Edge Hill Students’ Union is committed to tackling the burden of the cost of living crisis on students. 

 

We’re teaming up with the National Union of Students (NUS) to call on local and national leaders to offer greater support packages for students and raise the student maintenance loan package to match the national living wage. 

 

A recent survey by the NUS questioning 3,500 students on the cost of living crisis, found 96% of students are cutting back on spending. Almost a third of students are left with just £50 a month after paying rent and bills, and 92% say the crisis is negatively affecting their mental health. Elsewhere, 68% of students are struggling to afford course materials.

It is imperative the UK Government and higher education providers take action on the cost of living crisis to protect student wellbeing. 

 

Ben Broadhurst, Education President at Edge Hill Students’ Union, said: “In 2022, being a student is harder than it ever has been before. On top of huge tuition fees and extra course costs, students shouldn’t have to worry about water, gas, electricity and basic sustenance.”

 

“The NUS survey paints a bleak image of student life up and down the country. One third of students are left with just £50 a month after rent and bills. As costs soar in supermarkets, that’s barely enough to survive on. Even the most stringent and experienced budgeters would struggle.”

 

“We want to help students as much as we can. Edge Hill Students’ Union is a small but dedicated charity, and we’re concentrating much of our efforts this year on campaigning for tailored support packages and higher maintenance loans.”

 

[Alt Text: 96% of students cutting back due to cost of living crisis. 90% say their mental health has been affected. 46% can't afford to study. 80% have not received government supports. 11% are accessing food banks. Based on NUS survey of 3,500 students - June 2022.] 

 

Throughout the upcoming academic year, EHSU will share bespoke advice and tips to help students navigate the cost of living crisis, including a detailed guide to applying for hardship funds at Edge Hill University, signposting services to benefits advice, and social content geared towards easing the burden on your budget. 

 

To help spread the message, we are calling on our students to sign the NUS petition calling on the Government to take action. Your voice is powerful, and you can help us make real change. 

 

If the cost of living crisis has impacted you, share your story with the NUS. 

 

If you need wellbeing support, the EHSU Advice Team provides free, independent, confidential guidance for Edge Hill students. Our expert and friendly advisors are non-judgemental and have your best interests at the heart of their service. All of our advice is entirely free from bias and is not influenced by the University.

 

For advice on the student funding, personal finances and the student support fund, please contact the EHU Money Advice Team.