The constant topic of the cost-of-living crisis paired with the sizeable increases in student tuition fees begs the question of whether students can still afford to eat healthily at university.
Undergraduate student tuition fees in England average to around £9250 a year which is over a 200% increase from 2006. Whilst Newcastle University state “The average living costs for students in the UK is £1,112.50 per month”.
A study conducted in 2023 claimed “around half (49%) of students felt they had financial difficulties” with “16% saying they had major financial difficulties”.
One student said “I do try to be healthy but things like fruits and vegetables just seem to drain my food budget”.
Statista revealed that between 2022 and 2023, vegetables such has carrots had a price inflation of 35%, whilst fruits like bananas had increased by 16%.
To help students combat these rising prices, Nutrition and Dietetics lecturer Dr Helen Mason stated “one really good idea is to work with the other members of your flat to consolidate ingredients, do group shopping and carry out batch baking”.
“We have had students in the past who have struggled financially for a number of reasons, family circumstances and so on and so forth. So yes, it is a problem for some students”.
One way in which Newcastle University has attempted to reduce food costs for their students is the £1 meal scheme.
Students receive the choice of three different food and drink choices provided on campus which are a porridge pot with a filter coffee/tea, three item breakfast bun with a filter coffee/tea or soup and a bun.
The £1 meals have received mixed reviews from students.
One student from Newcastle University said “I do think that the £1 meals are a great idea from the University because I buy them quite regularly”.
Whilst another said “They usually run out of it 10 minutes after they start”.
When asked on whether Newcastle University is doing enough to help students eat healthily and affordably, Dr Helen Mason said “we can always do more”.
“I would love if the university could have some grow beds on the main campus. Students should be able to grow their own vegetables to reduce costs of food as lettuce seeds cost barely anything.”
The University of Aberystwyth has already employed this idea with their ‘Penglais Community Garden’ which is open to students, staff and the public.
The garden’s website states “Our objective is to create a space for people to grow, to learn about growing food, planting in a wildlife friendly manner, and to provide a quiet space for people visiting the university and Arts Centre to just sit and enjoy their lunch”.
The House of Commons Library recently published a report which displays the falling rates of inflation in the UK, 2024.
However, despite the falling rates of inflation being positive, food prices and the cost of living are still increasing making it more difficult for students and the general population to meet cost demands every day.