Supporting our students with the rising cost of living

Many people will look back on their university days as 'the best days of their life', a time filled with carefree enjoyment, personal and professional growth, and numerous extracurricular activities that expanded their horizons. Unfortunately, these days not everyone has this opportunity - the chance to learn, build friendships and communities, develop skills and confidence, and make the most of their university life.  

Basic student outgoings: such as rent, energy bills and grocery costs, have increased by 17% since 2022. This is causing challenges and barriers to a meaningful and successful university experience. Some of the challenges facing students today:  

• Student loans are no longer enough to cover living costs for 58% of our students (ONS, 2023) 
• Private rental costs in Newcastle have increased by 7% since January 2022 (ONS, 2024) 
• 55% of students now engage in paid work. Some students are working 20-30 hours to fund their university education (Higher Education Policy Institute, 2023) 

These challenges do not only affect academic outcomes but extracurricular and social activities as these are the first things that students must give up. Extracurricular activities enhance young people's confidence in social interactions, expand their social circles, and equip them with new skills and abilities. Most importantly, these activities provide a vital space for enjoyment and relaxation, offering a break from the stresses of university life. 

Chloe Field, NUS Vice President Higher Education, said:  

“This (cost of living crisis) is having a profound impact on all students. Students with caring responsibilities, who don’t have time to supplement their income, cannot get Universal Credit. International students, who pay higher tuition fees and Visa costs, are limited in the hours they can work. Students from poorer backgrounds, whose families cannot top up their loan, face the choice between working longer hours or dropping out completely.  

 

The Government must take action urgently to relieve the pressure and implement our proposals. Until they do, institutions must step in to support their students with the cost of food, rent, and energy. Students are our future nurses, teachers, and other key workers, and we need support now to protect everyone’s future.”  

At Newcastle University, we are committed to ensuring every student has the chance to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background. We are proud that 32% of our new intake of home students this academic year were from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds, our highest percentage ever and greater than any other university in the UK. As an institution that strives to make a genuine difference to our students, this is something we’re exceptionally pleased about.  

This summer we want to make a difference to struggling students by alleviating some of their financial pressures including rent, grocery bills, and transportations costs. We are hoping to remove their barriers to learning so they can engage in student life fully and achieve without being under constant financial strain.   

To support students struggling with these rising costs, the Newcastle University Development Trust has pledged £50,000 to match donations made to the Newcastle Student Fund. All donations made before the 16 September 2024 will be doubled, meaning that for every £1 donated, £2 will go to help a Newcastle University student in need.   

How our alumni and donors are supporting students right now 

Thanks to the generosity of our existing donor community, vital additional measures have already been put in place to help students. The doubled-up donations made this year will ensure:  

• Emergency hardship grants to avoid the risk of homelessness; 
• A £1 hot meal scheme on campus so students who need it can access nutritious food plus additional free soup and snacks in the library; 
• Bursaries to cover the day-to-day expenses that can help them take part in extra-curricular activities; 
• Subsidised access to Students’ Union clubs and societies;
• Free period products across campus for those students who need them. 

With this help, the current generation of Newcastle students can face the financial struggles caused by the rising cost of living, succeed in their studies and make a difference around the world.