The cost-of-living crisis has no doubt affected everyone, and pushed people to try and make more money to support themselves, and their families. But how are students coping?
With rent and utility bills skyrocketing, and student loans not matching the increase, some students have resorted to Only Fans as their main form of income to financially support themselves.
Lucy Bevan spoke to a mix of young people across the UK, to see what they think about starting in this industry to fix money worries, and to Jane* who talks about her experience of using the app.
Click the link below to hear more:
To hear more of Janes* Only Fans story, and how it stopped her from "stealing food", click here to read.
After 'Save The Student' found 8% of their survey respondents would consider a form of sex work in a "cash emergency", they say its "vital [students] they're aware of the full range of funding options available to them".
All Universities across the UK have teams in place to help students financially.
A spokesperson for Universities UK said:
“Universities recognise that these are clearly difficult times for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, with caring responsibilities or estranged from families. Our members have already stepped up their efforts to support students by providing hardship funding where it is needed the most, budget management guidance and increased wellbeing and mental health support.
We will be supporting our members over the coming year to consider what further actions can be taken to alleviate cost pressures.
The scale of this crisis will require targeted support from government, both to ensure their interventions include students and to take action on the causes of the cost of living increases. This means urgent consideration for additional hardship funding and the reinstatement of maintenance grants".
Similarly, University of Gloucestershire says there's plenty of support for students who feel they are in a financial crisis.
"Students can find links to finance-related advice and services via the Money Advice tile on MyGlos.
Any UOG student who is worried about money is encouraged to contact our Money Advice Team who can provide advice about general finances and on student loans available, to ensure they are in receipt of all funds to which they are entitled.
The Money Advice Team can also provide tailored confidential advice to students based on their personal circumstances about the additional funding available from the University, including the Financial Assistance Fund available to all ‘Home’ students and other targeted bursaries such as Care Leavers bursary
There is also support available from our accommodation team for any student who needs advice around their housing options."
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