Students are facing a cost-of-living crisis.

Almost three thirds (62%) of students who work part-time struggle to afford basic necessities like heating and food.

A quarter of students regularly go without food due to financial constraints, according to a 2023 study by Russell Group Universities Students' Unions, while 18% of students have been left with no option but to turn to foodbanks for support.

Students often have to juggle academic responsibilities alongside multiple jobs to make ends meet. Research shows that this is having a detrimental impact on students’ mental health.

This is the heartbreaking reality of many students. How much longer can this issue be ignored?

How to money issues cause stress and isolation?

Financial shortfalls leave students struggling to balance work and study, which takes a toll on their life outside of work and their studies. For instance, the lack of funds and inflexibility of part-time work prevents many from joining clubs, societies, social events and activities that would otherwise provide a much-needed sense of community and support.

The cycle of financial struggles, poor part-time work and social isolation must be broken. Without adequate finances, students continue to face tough decisions, and many are left behind in an education system that should be accessible to all.

But aren’t part-time jobs helping students?

Since 2014/15, the proportion of full-time students working alongside their studies increased from 52% to 58%. But we know that many students find it difficult to access part-time work.

As more and more students need employment to afford university, there have been more concerns around work, and finding it. For example, we’ve heard from students who have said they are being contacted by scammers, who promise them access to work, but only after payment. This is just one of the ways that the job market is becoming more difficult.

For students working part-time, these are some issues they face:

• Lack of flexibility from employers about student timetables
• Not enough shifts available, forcing students to look for more part-time work
• Travelling long distances for work, meaning even more time and cost
• Jobs that aren't relevant to students’ degrees or career plans

How can I help?

You can help us to make radical change. At Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, we’re fighting for better rights and support to make sure students are paid fairly. This includes:

• Students must be paid for any placement work. Students deserve to be paid for their time, just like full-time employees would be.
• The Students’ Union and Leeds Beckett University must provide more jobs on campus for students. This will help students to develop important career skills without having to travel far away from their lectures and classes.
• The Students’ Union must explain rights at work to students. If students ever have concerns about their employer or if they think they are being targeted by employment scams, this information will help them.
• Leeds must have an employment accreditation scheme. This will ensure students know who are good local employers for students.
• The University should create more opportunities with partner employers. This would let students take on work part-time on the topics they’re interested in, close to campus.

No student should ever have to choose between heating their home and eating a meal. Passionate about making a difference? Get involved in our Part-time Work Campaign here.

It’s misleading to claim that the maintenance loan is sufficient - many students report that they are £582 short of covering their basic living costs. The NUS is current campaigning for this - find out more here.