Two in three students skip meals to save money

A National Student Money Survey has found that 63% of respondents skip meals at least some of the time to save money.

The data showed that surveyed students spend an average of £1,146 per month on living costs (£1,326 per month in London) with on average, Maintenance Loans fall short of spending on living costs by £467 per month. 9% of those surveyed used a food bank in the 2025/26 academic year and 91% think at least one change should be made to Student Loan repayments, with abolishing interest (59%) the most popular.

A record 77% worry about their Student Loan repayments with average parental contributions have dropped for the third straight year, down to £132 per month.

The data also found that 28% of surveyed students have two or more jobs, and 46% have considered dropping out of uni due to money-related issues. 59% weren’t confident about finding work after graduation (highest since the pandemic) and 46% think AI will negatively impact their graduate job prospects.

Tom Allingham, Save the Student’s Money Expert, said “This survey serves as a stark reminder that repayment terms are far from the only issue with Student Loans. While graduates rightly complain about their debts rising well beyond what they originally borrowed, the cruel irony for current students is that it’s nowhere near enough in the first place. Maintenance Loans have always fallen short of living costs, but this has become exponentially worse in recent years. In previous generations, that might have meant skipping one or two nights out or living on baked beans for a few days.

“Today, following significant real-terms cuts, almost two-thirds of respondents are skipping meals to save money, over a quarter work two or more jobs, and countless others speak of extreme social isolation due to financial pressures. The government’s pledge to increase funding with forecast inflation will do nothing to fix this, and is simply a continuation of the policy that caused the current crisis. Meanwhile, although we welcome the reintroduction of Maintenance Grants in England, far too little cash will be available to far too few students.

“We’re calling on the government not to ignore the plight of current students, and to ensure any Student Loan reforms include increasing maintenance funding to catch up with inflation.”

In response to the survey, Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK (UUK), said “Any student who is worried about their finances should know they are not alone; they can reach out to their university’s student support service which will be able to help. Universities are primed with advice and can assist with essentials; they also have initiatives such as hardship funds, bursaries and discounted meal schemes which can support students.

“The government must review its maintenance thresholds in England, to better help students from all backgrounds thrive in their university careers.

“Students also need confidence that their degree will set them up for work. That’s why Universities UK has launched the Future Jobs Roadmap, making sure every student leaves ready to thrive in a fast-changing jobs market.”