RUMS Review Vol. VIII Issue I - January 2023

‘COST OF
LEARNING
CRISIS’
BY ZARA AHMAD
It is hard to ignore
the current economic
climate,
especially as it has affected the
prices of our everyday items. The
‘cost of living crisis’ has been
dominating our headlines,
emerging as an overall term to
highlight the contributions of
political change, COVID-19 and
Brexit towards an economic
environment characterised by
high inflation and wage
stagnation. The narrative tends
to focus on families struggling
with their heating bills and rent,
but there is another demographic
often left out of the mainstream
spotlight: students.
As many reading this article are
aware, managing finances is no
easy task. In the middle of the
financial situation that we find
ourselves in, it has not become
any easier. Prior to this academic
year, the cost of student loans,
alongside high rent when living in
London was a contentious issue.
According to the National Union
of Students, ‘student
accommodation prices have
increased by 61% in the last
decade’ with inflation reaching
10% in September. Making the
choice to walk long distances
instead of taking public transport
and delay turning on heating in
the winter months have become a
regular decision. Perhaps most
troubling is the impact that this
cost-of-living crisis has had on
the mental health of students,
with the NUS stating that 92% of
students’ mental health has
suffered as a direct
consequence.
However, if you are struggling,
you are not without support. UCL
has a number of well-publicised
support services that are readily
available. As part of the medical
school, your personal tutor is
always there for you as a source
of direction, so reaching out to
them is a great first step. If you
feel more comfortable talking to
other students, contact
Medics4Medics or simply talk to
your friends about how you feel.
For financial support, the
Financial Assistance Fund can
help with living costs for students
facing unexpected hardship. The
above support services are by no
means an exhaustive list, but just
a few ports of call.
Regardless of what
you may be going
through, remember
that you are never
alone and that help is
available.
Personal Tutors
Medics4Medics
Financial Assistance
Fund
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