More than half of full-time students in the UK are facing the harsh reality of working long hours in jobs to support themselves at university. A recent survey conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) revealed that a record 56% of full-time undergraduates are juggling paid employment alongside their studies, spending an average of 14.5 hours each week in work.
The rising trend of students working long hours is a direct consequence of the cost of living crisis, which has made it increasingly difficult for students to make ends meet without additional income. With the lack of sufficient maintenance support, students are forced to take on part-time jobs to cover their living expenses, creating a two-tier higher education system where financial constraints dictate the academic experience.
The survey highlighted the alarming fact that students with part-time jobs are averaging 48-hour working weeks during term time, with some even clocking in 56-hour weeks. This workload far exceeds the average 36.6 hours worked by adults in full-time jobs, according to the Office for National Statistics. The pressure of balancing work and study commitments is taking a toll on students, impacting their academic performance and overall well-being.
Rose Stephenson, Hepi’s director of policy, expressed concern over the growing trend of students working long hours to make ends meet. She emphasized that the traditional model of higher education, with students studying full-time away from home, is becoming increasingly unattainable without improved student maintenance support. Stephenson warned that without intervention, the higher education system may inadvertently evolve into a two-tier system based on financial privilege.
The cost of living crisis has significantly impacted the proportion of students engaging in paid employment while studying. Before 2021, approximately two-thirds of students did not have paid employment during term time. However, the current year saw a drastic shift, with 56% of students reporting paid employment and longer working hours than in previous years. Three-quarters of working students cited the need to meet their living costs as the primary reason for taking on employment.
The consequences of students working long hours extend beyond academic performance, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life. The National Union of Students (NUS) reported a doubling in the proportion of students using food banks as the cost of living crisis worsened. The NUS emphasized the urgent need for increased financial support for students, including the reintroduction of maintenance grants that reflect the true cost of living.
Despite the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis, students continue to persevere in their academic pursuits. The survey revealed that 39% of students believe their course is good value for money, marking a rebound in satisfaction levels following the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic. This positive outlook is driven by higher satisfaction among international students, highlighting the resilience and determination of students in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the increasing number of students working long hours to support themselves at university underscores the urgent need for improved student maintenance support. The current financial constraints are creating a two-tier higher education system, where students from less privileged backgrounds are forced to prioritize work over their studies. It is imperative for policymakers and institutions to address these challenges and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to pursue their academic goals without financial burden.
