The impact of rising food costs: Marcus' story
04 June 2026
For many students, the biggest challenge at university isn’t academic. It’s getting through the week.
Our latest student affordability research highlights the growing pressure students face, with 47% relying on family support to cover accommodation and, in over half of cases, average maintenance loans not even covering rent. As a result, many are cutting back on essentials, working long hours and questioning whether university is financially sustainable at all.
For Marcus, a 21 year old student at the University of Glasgow, this isn’t just data, it’s everyday life. As part of our Room to Belong campaign, his experience shows how rising costs are shaping what university really feels like.
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The cost of everyday living
For Marcus, managing money isn’t something that sits in the background. It shapes daily decisions.
“Food is probably my biggest challenge week to week.”
Some weeks, even basic routines start to shift.
“There are times I realise I haven’t eaten lunch and just wait until dinner because it’s cheaper.”
Across the UK, our research shows over a third of students who struggle with housing costs are cutting back on essentials like food and travel. Marcus’ experience is one of many like it.
Making difficult choices
To make ends meet, compromises become part of everyday life.
“I’ll buy cheaper, more calorie-dense food just because it will fill me up for longer”
“I know it’s not healthy, but there’s always financial anxiety in the back of my mind.”
Over time, those decisions have a visible impact.
“I have lost weight… and I know I’m not the only student who’s experienced that.”
What seems like small adjustments adds up to a bigger pressure on health and wellbeing.
Working just to keep up
Marcus works alongside his studies to support himself, but even that comes with trade-offs.
“I work 16 hours a week as a tour guide… but it doesn’t always feel like a net gain.”
The cost of working itself quickly adds up.
“I’m still spending money on transport and food just to get to work.”
With 43% of students relying on part-time work to get by, balancing study, work and living costs is becoming the norm. Leaving little room to rest.
“There’s always financial anxiety in the back of my mind.”
A different university experience
Financial pressure doesn’t just affect day-to-day living. It changes how university feels.
“My social life looks very different… I mostly stick to free activities.”
For Marcus, the gap between students is clear.
“There’s definitely a gap between students who have financial support and those who have to be completely self-sufficient.”
What should be a shared experience quickly becomes something very different depending on what you can afford.