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

We are delighted to announce that NUS-USI President Chloe Ferguson has been appointed to the Northern Ireland Skills Council (NISC), an advisory body which focuses on providing strategic direction on the development and implementation of skills policy in Northern Ireland.

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.

• A third of students are relying on credit cards to keep up with the cost of living. 
• 40% of students are relying on savings to get by. 
• 42% of students are travelling to campus less due to the rising cost of fuel. 
• 52% of students are spending less money on food. 

1. A Cost of Living Payment for all students in further and higher education
2. A Rent Freeze in the private sector and purpose built student accommodation
3. Free public transport for all students, as well as fuel payments and increased mileage rates