Universities call for a maintenance loan uplift in light of cost of living crisis

Amid a cost-of-living crisis, universities are calling for their students to receive more financial support.

Whilst students can access maintenance loans there is often a gap between actual living costs and the support given.

In the previous academic year, it was estimated this figure was at £340 per month, and now this has rocketed to £439, meaning students are not only struggling to cover their bills but are having to make choices between their academic studies and perhaps taking on more work to try and bridge this gap.

It’s vital that students are not left out of the conversation

Tim Bradshaw, Russell Group chief executive

The Russell Group chief executive Tim Bradshaw encouraged the government to address these issues, stating that “it’s vital that students are not left out of the conversation”.

For those of you who may share in these financial worries, remember you can contact your university for hardship funds and other available support.

In particular, the University of Exeter has allocated an extra £1m to provide bursaries that all students can apply for, should they need support. It will also be including financial circumstances as a reason for mitigation.

With 82 per cent of students worried about simply making ends meet, an uplift in the maintenance loan would provide crucial relief to their worries and allow students to focus simply on enjoying and making the most out of their time at university.