Working-class students face higher costs at university, says NUS report

A report published by the National Union of Students (NUS) has found that university students from working-class backgrounds face a “poverty premium”, which entails paying higher costs to continue studying, potentially leading to a feeling of isolation among their peers.

It reports that a “clear link” has been found between social class and poverty in English education, revealing “large inequalities around the experiences of working-class students”.

The report says that the inability to participate in events or activities throughout the year may leave some feeling ostracised in their environment, while the premium exacerbates difficulties that low-income households face.

The University of Bristol Personal Finance Research Centre estimated that the average cost of the poverty premium was £490 per household per year, according to a report published in November 2016. Examples of such issues included the inability to switch to the best fuel tariff, using pre-payment tools, not paying by the cheapest billing method and premiums related to where people live.

Another yearly survey, conducted by the University of Bristol, noted that over a third of respondents had seen discrimination based on a person’s class or economic background.

The report says that the inability to participate in events or activities throughout the year may leave some feeling ostracised in their environment

The NUS Report also goes on to say that dropout rates are highest among working-class students, as they can end up paying more than their wealthier course-mates. As well as this, working-class students are more likely to be employed while studying and some may surpass the 15-hour recommendation given by most course providers.

The report also points to costs of accommodation at university, citing a Freedom of Information Request sent by the University of East Anglia Students’ Union, which found that over 20 universities made profits in excess of £1000 per bed space per year.

The report states: “This pricing policy risks segregating working-class students in lower-cost accommodation from others who have access to additional funds from their families.” It may also mean that some could struggle to find a guarantor when it comes to their rental accommodation, meaning they might be required to use private schemes which have higher fees.

The NUS Poverty Commission, headed by National President Shakira Martin, calls for a minimum living income for those in further and higher education, as well as the restoration of maintenance grants and NHS bursaries.

Dame Janet Beer, Universities UK president and University of Liverpool vice-chancellor, told Times Higher Education: “Universities UK supports the call to reinstate government maintenance grants, targeted to those students who need them the most.

“We agree also that there should be greater support for those who wish to study more flexibly, and for whom full-time study is not the preferred option. This would help also to reduce barriers.”