Being a student during a cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis in Scotland is having a major impact on students and young people. With the prices of essentials like food, rent, energy, and travel rising faster than student loans or part-time wages, many university students are struggling to make ends meet. What used to be manageable budgets are now stretched thin, forcing some students to skip meals, take on more debt, or work longer hours - often at the expense of their studies and wellbeing.
This crisis hasn’t come out of nowhere. It’s the result of several overlapping issues: inflation, energy price spikes, supply chain problems after Brexit and COVID-19, and wider economic uncertainty. In Scotland, even though some government support - like the Scottish Child Payment or free tuition - helps in the long term, it doesn't always reach students who need immediate help with daily costs.
Student accommodation, in particular, has become more expensive and harder to find, especially in cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. Meanwhile, food prices and heating bills have soared, and public transport remains costly and unreliable in many areas. Colleges/Universities and student unions have responded by expanding hardship funds, food banks, and mental health support - but demand is higher than ever. The crisis is highlighting how financially vulnerable many students are, and why fair access to education includes more than just tuition.
Understanding the cost of living crisis is important for students - not just to manage your own budget, but also to speak up for better support and lasting change in how students are treated in national policy.
Sources: National Union of Students; ScotGov; The Poverty Alliance