By Elliott Hammond
Struggling to balance education and work, students throughout London have been forced to prioritise their jobs over studying.
The cost of living crisis has made everything more expensive, especially in London. As inflation rates rise, more and more students have to work to just pay the bills, instead of focusing on their important studies.
Sociology student Amy Hawkins, who works as a waitress at the Slug and Lettuce pub, says: “Having a job puts me in a bit of a difficult position. I have had to ask for an extension for my coming up essay deadline.”
With student accommodation in London as high as £200 a week for rooms with common amenities, it can be hard for students to get on top of their costs and rent.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says that more than 75 percent of students are “concerned” that soaring prices and inflation will have a knock-on effect on their studies.
London Metropolitan University Chemistry student George Litchfield, who also works as a waiter at the Ritz, says: “Paying my rent is always my biggest worry when it comes to time the end of the term, so I have to work. The cost of living crisis has definitely affected me, I’m always skint, even though my loan is quite good.”
The government has announced that it will offer students £15 million in hardship funds to help weather the crisis – but many say that’s a drop in the bucket.
Research carried out by the Sutton Trust and reported in the Guardian says that many students are forced to skip meals to make ends meet – even those who work.
Should London’s youth be forced to work simply to pay for their living costs when they are trying to balance work?
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