UH Student News

Students at the University of Hertfordshire claim that the cost-of-living is reshaping their well being, financial routines, and academic lives. New national figures show that student budgets across the UK are under more pressure than ever.

Recent surveys by student finance charities show that the average student now faces a 500+ monthly shortfall between the Maintenance Loan and the actual cost of living. This is the largest gap recorded in the past decade. Rising rents, food prices, and transport costs continue to rise, with 6 in 10 UK students saying money worries are taking a toll on their mental health.

On campus, UH students are feeling these pressures firsthand.

Rebecca Broadway, a third year UH student, said even the smallest increases have made a significant difference. “Everything is very expensive, even down to my phone bill going up,” she explained. Rising transport costs have been particularly difficult. After bus fares increased again this year, Rebecca eventually had to quit her part-time job due to extortionate travel prices. “In order to make travel affordable I had to leave my flat extremely early, this took time away from my studies,” she added.

Daily sacrifices becoming normality

Across the UK, students report making extreme lifestyle cuts and UH students are no different. National research by the Office for National Statistics shows that 70% of students are spending less on non-essentials, with more than half stating they avoid using heating to save money.

An Binh Vu, UH media student who works part-time, recognised this trend in her own student life. “I mainly shop at cheaper supermarkets now, and I definitely think twice before grabbing a takeaway coffee,” she said. Walking to avoid travel prices has become a routine for many students. “I’ve been walking so much more for short trips, to avoid the extra costs entirely.”

Even students who once felt financially stable say that their money doesn’t stretch the way it used to. “It is more annoying than stressful. My money does not go as far anymore,” An Binh Vu added.

“Constant worrying” about bills and rent

One of the biggest impacts this year has been the rising cost of housing. Across the UK, student rent has risen by nearly 15% in two years, according to recent accommodation reports by Unipol and the Higher Education Policy Institute. Many students claim rent now takes the majority of their income, leaving less for food, travel, or materials for their studies.

Oghenemarho Oyorhigo, UH third year student said she was “constantly worrying about bills and rent has definitely increased my stress.”  She added that while financial support exists at UH, it is often slow or unclear. “Many students don’t know what they’re eligible for or often find the process confusing.”

Is UH doing enough?

UH offers a range of financial-support schemes, but many students feel the help does not always reach those most in need. According to the UH website, students struggling from financial difficulties can apply for the University Financial Assistance Fund. This fund provides non-repayable grants to help with essential living costs. UH also offers the Short-Term Assistance Grant for immediate support, budgeting tools through Blackbullion, and one-to-one appointments with the Student Funding team.

Despite the array of options, several UH students said the support is not always widely accessible or promoted successfully. Rebecca feels that the eligibility criteria of certain schemes leave many students without realistic options. “There should be easier grants or funding that don’t require you to have additional needs or be an international student.”

Oghenemarho echoed this frustration, arguing that the support system needs to be clearer and faster. “Yes, support exists but many students don’t know about it or find the process to slow, making it unhelpful.”

Other students said the issue is the University’s focus on specific crises, rather than the wider population on campus. An Binh Vu said that making everyday expenses more affordable would help more students than the funds alone. “They could do better by making things cheaper on campus…like food or travel. That would be more beneficial for everyone.”

While UH continues to promote its financial-support programmes, many students claim that the university must make support more accessible, easier to find and more relevant to everyday pressures they face.

Looking Ahead

As prices continue to rise, many UH students say they are bracing themselves for an even tougher year. Several students claim that budgeting alone is no longer enough, financial strain has become structural, rather than situational. With rent increases outpacing maintenance loan and essentials becoming more expensive, students fear they are falling into an unsustainable position, one that is risking their academic success.

For some, hope comes only from having a part-time job or family support. For others, without these safety nets, the coming months feel uncertain and worrying. Unless living costs improve or universities step in with better financial support, students warn that these financial pressures will continue to affect their wellbeing, attendance, and ability to succeed in higher education.