The University of Cumbria has said they have put in place a ‘newly enhanced support package’ for students after a survey revealed the financial burden placed on students.

Data from the Student Money Survey 2023 has revealed the average student's monthly living costs have increased by 17 per cent from last year to £1,078 but student maintenance loans in England are due to rise by just 2.8 per cent in 2023/24 - far below inflation and the rise in the cost-of-living.

Save the Student said that this is the most troubling set of results they've ever seen.

18 per cent of students in the survey have used a food bank in the last academic year, up from 10 per cent who said the same in 2022 and 22% of surveyed students said they often skip meals to save money.

The University of Cumbria said their new student support package includes free breakfast on campus during the week, £25 annual membership for their campus fitness suites and free Microsoft Office software, virus protection and assistive technologies.

A spokesperson for the University of Cumbria said: “We recognise starting university for the first time can be an exciting time, but not for all students.

“Rising living costs can add to some students’ worries at a time when they may already be feeling anxious about starting university.

“That is why we have developed a newly enhanced support package for all new and returning students to University of Cumbria, to help support our students so that they can focus on getting the most out of their university experience.

“The package supports students with their physical, emotional, and professional needs.

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“We also have a money advice service where our team of money advisors can advise on any money and funding matters, and we have several bursaries and scholarships available to support eligible students.

"Students experiencing hardship can take advantage of the student support fund, which is available to students experiencing severe hardship or financial emergencies.”

In the survey, the proportion of students who have received hardship funding from their university has nearly doubled, up from 12 per cent last year to 21 per cent this year with Save the Student calling on the government to match student loans with the state of inflation.