As university resumes once again, energy experts at USwitch have found that 46 per cent of students say the cost of living has negatively affected their wellbeing.
The UK has one of the highest electricity prices in Europe, partly due to dependence on natural gas and the construction of more electricity grid infrastructure. This affects students who rely on affordable and consistent energy prices, especially those whose maintenance loans do not cover these prices.
According to USwitch, 58 per cent of students’ maintenance loans do not cover their living costs.
Whilst utility costs tend to be included in the first year of university, if students move into private tenancies in later years, they begin paying this cost on top of rent.
When asked if they would like to see energy bills included in a year’s rent up front, one student said: “That would have helped with my budgeting and stress tenfold in second year”.
This coincides with further research by USwitch that found that 73 per cent of students believed that their energy bills should be included in their rent for the duration of their studies.
However, an expert has offered some insight into tips and tricks that can be used to limit costs where possible.
Options include washing clothes at lower temperatures, switching to LED light bulbs, and using a shower timer.
Photo by Arthur Lambillotte on Unsplash.
