NUS-USI welcomes the Economy Minister’s announcement that an additional £1 million of financial hardship funding has been allocated to universities for distribution to students across Northern Ireland.

84% of students are worried about money with 22% worried all the time

Students across Northern Ireland have been taking to the streets of their local areas to make noise on the increase of public transport fares and lack of accessibility. Against the backdrop of significant cost of living pressures, as noted by NUS-USI's Cost of Survival report on student hardship, bus and rail fares rose by 7 percent on Monday 6th March.  In response, Ulster University students in Coleraine held a demonstration calling on urgently needed support. During which students marched and occupied a zebra crossing calling for a free shuttle bus service to be introduced in the North Coast area. 

Chloe Ferguson, NUS-USI President said,  

“It’s amazing to see students across Northern Ireland stand up and make their voice heard on the barriers to their education. Already, 51% of students are cutting back on travel.2 Free and accessible public transport infrastructure would significantly ease pressures students face- including making the hard decision on whether to go to class, or put food on the table. Supporting students is an investment into the future of NI- we must remove the roadblocks to our education. The cost of not acting is much greater than not.” 

Ethan Davies, Vice-President for Coleraine from Ulster University Students’ Union, said,  

“Students are already paying more than their fair share to get their education. They shouldn’t have to pay more to access their education. If a student lives in Belfast and needs to travel to Coleraine for class, with a YLink they can be expected to pay £10.50, without it, it is £17.50-this must stop.  

The 3.5k students in Coleraine need the flexibility to be able to go from their university to their homes, which is why we need a shuttle bus from Coleraine, the University, Portrush and Portstewart.  

We need action now, we can’t afford to wait for Stormont to reconvene.” 

NUS-USI REPORT: “It's not about the cost of living, it's about the cost of survival”

NUS-USI is calling for urgent support for students in higher and further education across Northern Ireland following the launch of their “Cost of Survival” report.

The report found that students were left with just £29.30 per week after accommodation costs, which accounts for 81.7% of the maximum amount available for undergraduate student loans.

Whilst many students are juggling part time jobs, most will meet the definition of a low-income household, which is currently classified as less than 60% of the national average wage. Despite this, the majority are not eligible for benefits that other low-income households can access, including some of the recent cost of living payments.

The findings are supported by reports from universities and colleges of huge increases in food bank referrals, provision of heat banks and backpacks of hygiene products to students. Some institutions have also made payments to their student population in recognition of the extremely challenging financial circumstances the are facing.

Last week the Department for Infrastructure announced a 7% increase in transport fares from March 2023. 

Chloe Ferguson, NUS-USI President responded: 

“We were concerned to see the freeze on transport fares overturned by the Secretary of State and the impact this will have on our students. 

We note some recognition of the challenges young people have faced through the pandemic and now in the cost of living crisis, something we have been campaigning tirelessly on. 

Students aged 16-23, with a Y-link card prices will drop from 1/3 to 50% off which is a step in the right direction but unfortunately does not go far enough. 

Our Cost of Survival campaign has been calling for free transport for all students and apprentices so no one misses out on their education because they can’t afford to get to class or placement. We also need to see fuel support for students where accessing public transport isn’t an option. This is hitting students from the poorest background hardest and it simply isn’t good enough.  

We need free public transport for all students and apprentices now.” 

Sign up to our Free Transport for Students campaign.