‘Money anxiety’: understanding HE students' experiences of the cost-of-living crisis

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is causing immense stress and hardship for families, individuals and communities, with increases in utility bills, food prices and transport costs. Actors from civil society, politicians and academics have demonstrated concern as to the effect this is having at local and national levels, specifically the disproportionate impact on already marginalised and vulnerable groups. One demographic particularly affected is higher education students, however, due to the lack of support measures being aimed at this cohort, they are at significant risk of becoming overlooked and forgotten. While recent survey data has acknowledged the negative experiences of this group, there is a lack of understanding of their everyday lived realities. To address this gap, this article draws on empirical research conducted with HE students in the North-West of England between 2022 and 2023. The study explores the diverse ways in which students navigate the crisis and the impact this has on their health and well-being. It concludes with a call for urgent action and policy response to elevate unprecedented and devastating student hardship triggered by the cost-of-living crisis.