More than half of students have been forced to use a food bank during their studies as the impact of the cost of living crisis continues to hit.
Research conducted by pollsters Censuswide on behalf of gift card firm Love2shop found that 55% of students have had to use a food bank due to the rising prices of food, while 68% know someone who has had to drop out due to the rising cost of living.
The survey - which quizzed 2,000 students around the UK - also found that a staggering 87%, which would equate to just under 2.5 million students, have skipped meals to save on food costs.
Frank Creighton, director of business development at Love2shop, said: "It's really worrying to see how many students are considering dropping out or have already left because of the devastating financial impact of the increased cost of living. This should be a huge concern for universities.
"For many students this is their first time living independently away from home. They should be able to focus on their studies, not worry about skipping meals in order to pay their bills. This is also a potential problem for universities. Fewer students – or poor results due to the pressures students are under – will have a significant impact on university finances.
"It’s time to start looking at practical solutions across the board to help all students deal with these challenges."
In our region, Newcastle University has an emergency support fund to help students in need, while the university's students' union has a community pantry available. The university has also had £1 hot meals available to those with a valid student card. Northumbria University also has a range of support, with its students' union operating its own food bank too.
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