University is a time of tremendous transitions. From more complex academic projects to learning how to live independently, every student comes out the other side with new skills and some amount of self-discovery. However, living independently often differs from what students previously imagined: we didn’t realise what a privilege it was to return home from a tiring day to a warm, nutritious, homemade meal until the privilege was gone.Ā
When one thinks of university life, lectures, late-night study sessions, and instant noodles come to mindĀ ābut behind the scenes many students in the UK face the serious issue of food insecurity. Itās not something people talk about often, but for many, the struggle to access nutritious and affordable food is real āand itās taking a toll on studentsā health, well-being, and education. Food insecurity is the condition of having limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods to meet oneās basic needs, often due to financial constraints or rising food prices. For university students, this could mean skipping meals to save money, relying on cheap snacks from our local grocery stores because itās all we can afford, or constantly worrying about how weāll stretch our food budget to the end of the week. At the beginning of university, I fell prey to snacking habits that were deficient in the nutrients needed to support us struggling students in times of great change as well. Unaccustomed to proper food budgeting and meal planning, I ended up predominantly eating crisps for a week. Although itās a great snack, it lacked the fulfillment and nutrition a meal has, and severely impacted my energy levels. Food insecurity is, hence, a persistent stressor that adds another layer of tension to an already stressful period in studentsā lives.Ā
Why is there so much food insecurity present among UK university students? For starters, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and student maintenance loans often fall short of covering essentials like rent, bills, and groceries. As prices of groceries rise, due to inflation and economic instability, students find buying fast food and snacks much more convenient. The Russell Group Students Union surveyed students from 14 Russell Group institutionsā including Kingās College Londonā gathering 8,800 responses. Based on the findings, they published a report addressing the rising cost of living. 94% of the students are concerned about the cost of living crisis.Ā
Reports from students by the Russell Group have revealed the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their academic experiences and overall well-being. One student described the difficult trade-offs they face: āItās been a nightmare. Having to choose between food or funding something for Uni, and then being at risk of failing my degree.ā Another highlighted how financial constraints have limited opportunities for their academic improvement : āI have not been able to take part in some extracurricular activities which would benefit my learning and future career, such as research projects/fieldwork, because I cannot afford this between the tuition fee and general cost of living.ā For international students, the burden is even greater. One shared their struggle: āIt is extremely difficult to make ends meet as an international student with limited working hours during term time. The high fees add to the burden of paying off student loans, and lack of scholarships all tie in together to ruin a personās mental health. Academic performance is suffering due to financial stressors and being unable to afford basic necessities is affecting social life.ā These accounts emphasise the challenges students face, with financial stress ruining their academic success, mental health, and future aspirations.Ā
Additionally, we have to balance our studies with part-time work. While some students work to supplement their income, others find it hard to take on jobs because of their demanding course schedules. International students face additional challenges, as their visas often limit the number of hours they can work, leaving them particularly vulnerable to financial hardship. According to a report by the student administration at the University of Edinburgh, a Tier 4 student visa permits individuals studying a full-time program at degree level or higher to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Studentsā academic performance is impacted not only by the challenge of balancing work and studies but also by the significant effects of food insecurity. How can one focus on a lecture or write an essay when theyāre running on an empty stomach? Hunger can affect concentration, memory, and energy levels, making it harder for students to stay on top of their studies. Nutrition also plays a big role in overall brain function. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to fatigue, stress, and, in severe cases, depressionāall of which can make it tough to keep up with the demands of university life. Persistent food insecurity has, therefore, been linked with higher dropout rates. According to the Russell Group Students Union survey aforementioned, every 1 in 5 students consider dropping out. They have started questioning whether their degree is āgood value for moneyā. This is not due to the quality or quantity of the content being taught, but due to concerns that food insecurity will prevent them from getting good grades that will in turn prevent a good graduate job.
Food insecurity among university students and beyond in the UK is a pressing issue. Beyond the reasons discussed above, insufficient funding and reliance on student loans can also lead to food insecurity as loans often fall short of covering the rising living costs, including rent, utilities, and transportation. Limited disposable income forces many students to prioritize essential expenses, leaving inadequate funds for nutritious food. Additionally, delays in loan disbursements can aggravate financial strain, food insecurity and mental health. The impact on their health and academic success is undeniable.
Hence, food insecurity not only starves students of nourishment but also of opportunities for them to thrive academically and emotionally. Students are being forced to make impossible choices due to the rising cost-of-living crisis that stunts both their physical and personal growth. If universities are truly to remain places of development, then addressing this hunger has to become a priority as students cannot truly flourish on an empty stomach.