Cost of living Crisis
Written by Ejemen Ebosele
The Cost of Living Crisis in Coventry: University Students Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Coventry, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant student life, is facing the harsh realities of a growing cost of living crisis. As inflation rises, energy bills soar, and housing costs climb, many residents, particularly university students, are struggling to stay afloat. The impact of this financial strain has become increasingly evident, with students bearing the brunt of rising expenses while trying to balance their academic commitments.
One of the most significant issues facing students is the rising cost of accommodation. Rent in student housing has increased sharply, with many students now paying more than £500 per month for a room in shared accommodation. In some areas, rents have risen by as much as 20% in the past year, placing students under considerable financial strain. Cameron who is a masters student in Coventry University shared that “when I arrived from Nigeria and was ready to begin my studies, I immediately began looking for a part-time job to ensure I could meet my rent payments. The stress is a lot but I have no choice”. With many landlords capitalising on the high demand for student housing, students are finding it increasingly difficult to secure affordable places to live. This issue is exacerbated by the limited availability of university-owned accommodation, which often comes at a premium price.
Food costs have also risen dramatically, making it harder for students to manage their grocery budgets. Many students report turning to cheaper, less nutritious options in order to make their money stretch further, while others rely on food banks and university-run initiatives to access basic necessities. The price of transport has added another burden, with students facing higher fares for bus and train services. For those living on the outskirts of Coventry or in nearby towns, travel costs have become a significant part of their monthly expenses, further eating into their already stretched budgets.
University representatives have acknowledged the struggles that students are facing, with some offering hardship funds and advice on budgeting. However, these measures are often insufficient, and many students argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis.
The cost of living crisis has also highlighted the growing divide between students from affluent backgrounds and those from lower-income households. While some students can rely on family support or personal savings, others have no choice but to take on part-time jobs, especially international students, which often interfere with their studies. This can lead to higher stress levels and a drop in academic performance, further compounding the difficulties faced by students already struggling with their finances.
As the situation continues to worsen, students in Coventry are calling for long-term solutions to alleviate the pressures they face. From affordable housing and increased financial aid to more support for mental health and well-being, the message is clear: the time to act is now. Without prompt intervention, the cost of living crisis risks undermining the future prospects of a generation of students, who are already grappling with an increasingly uncertain economic landscape. Coventry city council shared “more and more people are feeling the pressure from the increasing cost of living, but they are dedicated to providing support for coventry residents”. Here is a link below to help you discover support that’s available.
https://letstalk.coventry.gov.uk/one-coventry-plan-tackling-inequalities/widgets/62737/key_links