Helping students through the cost-of-living crisis

Resources and advice on what universities can do to help students cope with the rising cost of living

Helping students through the cost-of-living crisis spotlight graphic

What are the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on university and college students? Financial hardship makes it difficult for students to focus on their academic work – so grades and research suffer – as well as stress about not having enough money to cover university living costs such as food, books, rent and transport affecting their mental health and well-being. The effects can be greater for groups such as students who are parents, care-experienced students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Help that universities can provide includes setting up food banks and pantries, and offering financial assistance for students, scholarships, support services, support with technology and information on financial literacy for students.

Creating safe spaces for students to talk about financial difficulties

Poor financial health can lead to mental health difficulties and isolation for students. Here, Caroline Deylaud Koukabi and Joanna West offer tips for giving students inclusive spaces to discuss concerns amid the cost-of-living crisis

Caroline Deylaud Koukabi, Joanna West

University of Luxembourg

How to provide financial aid for university students in hardship

Young Asian man with piggy bank

How food banks can ease food insecurity for university students

Female student eating sandwich in park

Students with children: helping university learners who are parents

group of young people with arms around each other

Resources to show how to make university achievable for students leaving care

smiley face on head cut-out in hands