More than 2,000 students across 30 UK universities were interviewed for the survey, the results of which were published in last week’s Times Higher Education Supplement. As well as exploring the motivations and lifestyles of undergraduates in the UK, the survey found that nearly four in ten students are living on less than £40 a week, excluding accommodation. 8% of undergraduates survive on an average of £9.50 a week. Engineering students were the wealthiest on average with a disposable income of £63 per week while science students have the smallest average disposable income of £52.20 a week.
Non-UK students were more likely than home students to have a greater income, with almost one in five having an average of £150 a week to spend after paying for accommodation. Overall, 11% of students have over £100 a week to spend.
Unsurprisingly, student loans were the most common form of financial support, with two thirds of students using them. Parents were the second most cited form of support, with over half of students relying on money from them. The third most common form of financial support is part-time work, with nearly 40% of students working to support themselves.
These findings come shortly after an analysis by Claire Callender, Professor of Social Policy at South Bank University claimed that it would actually be cheaper for students to leave the capital, even if they are currently living rent-free. Academic results remain students’ main worry, however, with 29% of undergraduates citing this as their biggest concern.
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