Young waiter serving customer at cash point in cafe. Man working with POS terminal. Student working part-time. Problems of unemployment and Job opportunities for youth. Small business vacancies.
Young waiter serving customer at cash point in cafe. Man working with POS terminal. Student working part-time. Problems of unemployment and Job opportunities for youth. Small business vacancies.
Student Beans » Blog » Student Life

Struggling with Student Living Costs? Here’s How to Take Control

, by Tamara Olori, min. read

Students are now working 20+ hours a week due to increased student living costs.

It’s no secret that the cost of living in the UK has spiralled. While maintenance loans are meant to help, they simply aren’t keeping up with reality of rising student living costs.

A new report from Advance HE and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) has confirmed that a huge number of students are now working 20 hours or more a week just to get by. That’s the equivalent of a serious part-time job, all on top of studying for a full-time degree.

It’s a massive jump—in 2020, only 42% of students were working during term time. Now, that number is a staggering 68%.

This isn’t just about money. This is a fundamental shift in what “student life” looks like. It means less time for societies, sports, or even just hanging out with mates. The sad reality is the so-called “full student experience” is becoming a luxury many can’t afford.

So, why are students working more?

If you feel like you’re constantly juggling lectures, deadlines, and a part-time job just to cover the basics, you’re not alone. The hustle is real for UK students, and with increasing student living costs, it’s getting harder every year.

The numbers are pretty shocking. A recent estimate found that the average three-year degree in England costs a student £61,000 to live, and in London, that number jumps to an eye-watering £77,000. Even with the maximum loan, there’s a huge gap to fill.

As Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, put it, “The fact that a large majority of students now undertake paid work during term time… suggests the student experience is completely different to the norm when today’s policymakers were in higher education.”

In short, unfortunately the system hasn’t caught up with the crisis, meaning more students are affected than ever.

What to do when the times get tough

Feeling the pressure? Luckily there are many ways you can bridge the gap:

Check for support at your university

Your university has a duty of care, and most have dedicated funds for students in a tough spot. Many universities have recognised the impact of the cost of living crisis and have implemented new measures to help. Included in this are hardship funds and bursaries and grants;

  • Hardship Funds: If you’re facing financial difficulties, hardship funds (sometimes called Access to Learning funds) are designed to provide short-term financial relief whilst at university. The eligibility can be strict, so it’s worth speaking to your uni’s student support team to see if you qualify.
  • Bursaries and Grants: Research what’s available specifically for you. Many universities offer bursaries and grants – sums of money you don’t need to pay back – for certain courses, backgrounds, or circumstances that you might not know about. There are differences between both so make sure to look into what’s better for you.
A young woman in a beige sweater sitting at the table and she is worried.

Make the most of everyday hacks to save money

While we wait for the system to change, here are some practical ways to save money right now:

  • Shop smarter: Supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are your best friends when it comes to budget friendly products that are still good quality. Many mid-level chains like Sainsbury’s and Tesco also offer “Aldi price-matching,” so you can get more for your money without having to go far. Also, consider sticking to a weekly food budget to keep costs low.
  • Embrace secondhand: Fancy a new fit without the massive price tag? Check out vintage shops and online marketplaces like Vinted and Depop. It’s better for your bank account and the planet.
  • Use your student status to the max: This is the one huge benefit of being a student! Make the most of student discount sites like Student Beans. We partner with hundreds of brands like Adidas, ASOS, and Superdrug to bring you exclusive deals on everything from clothes to essential groceries.
  • Become a budgeting pro: It’s easy to lose track of your spending, especially when your maintenance loan drops. Following a budget plan—like the 50/30/20 rule—can help you stay in control of your cash.

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