For many students, university is no longer just about learning.
It’s about whether they can afford the true costs of living.
Our latest student affordability study, based on research with 1,600 current and prospective students, highlights the growing financial pressure facing those in higher education.
With 47% relying on family support and maintenance loans often failing to cover accommodation, many are cutting back on essentials and questioning whether university is even a realistic option.
Through our Room to Belong campaign, we’re calling for stronger, more joined up cost of living support that reflects the realities students face today. Everyone deserves the opportunity to access higher education, feel they belong and thrive.
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Over half of prospective students have considered not going to university due to costs.
Average student maintenance loan
England: £617 per month
Scotland: £694 per month
Wales: £679 per month
*figures are from latest Government data from 2024/25
Average accommodation spending
£700 per month: more than 50% of students
£1,000 per month: for over 33% of students
£1,500 per month: 10% of students
*figures are from PfP Students data
Costs are shaping experiences
Students are making difficult choices just to get by:
Working long hours alongside full-time study
Cutting back on essentials like food
Missing out on the social side of university life
What should be a shared experience is becoming very different depending on what you can afford.
43% of students we spoke to use money earned from part-time work.
We also spoke to prospective students ahead of the 2025/26 academic year and more than 50% questioned whether university is even affordable.
More than financial pressure
This isn’t just about money. It’s about wellbeing, belonging and opportunity.
When students are worried about covering basic costs, it affects their ability to focus, connect and succeed.
Our call for change
Through our Room to Belong campaign, we’re calling for stronger, more joined-up cost-of-living support that reflects the realities students face today.
Because university should be a place for everyone to learn, grow and belong - not just get by.
We’re not just calling for change – PfP Students supports students through practical, community-led initiatives that help ease everyday financial pressures.
Our commitments include:
Across halls, site teams provide free essentials such as fruit, tea, coffee and treats helping to cut daily costs
PfP Students have partnered with charity Hey Girls to supply free, sustainable female hygiene products at multiple locations nationwide, with plans to expand next year
Sites promote or provide access to discounts to help students reduce their everyday spending
A student app that makes it easier to report issues, stay updated and find out what's happening in your building
Behind Every Door mental health support, giving Customers quick access to trusted services through the Hub of Hope, with over 14,000 UK support organisations available by QR code.
Strong partnerships with universities, landlords and providers, raising expectations for the student experience
If you' are a student our Wellbeing and Help & Advice pages offer support whenever it’s needed.
What's next - and how you can join us
Room to Belong marks the start of a collective effort to improve the student experience across the UK. We’ll continue strengthening our own services around belonging and connection while working with partners to shape more supportive, inclusive halls.
We’re inviting universities, private providers and policymakers to work with us to ensure students feel safe, supported and connected from the moment they arrive.
Together, we can ensure every student doesn’t just have a place to live, but a room to belong.