Gloucestershire students facing financial crisis
Students now have an average shortfall of more than £500 a month
University students across Gloucestershire are facing what campaigners describe as a “never-ending cost-of-living crisis,” as maintenance loans continue to fall well below their monthly expenses.
According to the 2025 National Student Money Survey, conducted by Save The Student, students now spend an average of £1,142 per month. With the average maintenance loan providing just £640 a month, this leaves a shortfall of more than £500.
Parental support, which has traditionally helped to bridge the gap, is also shrinking. The survey found that the average contribution from parents has dropped to £146 a month, down from £171 in 2024 and the lowest figure since 2021. Middle-income families reported the steepest reductions.
Although student spending has risen by around 3.4% compared with last year, increases are far smaller than those seen during the peak of the cost-of-living crisis in 2022 and 2023.
Teri Garfitt, manager of the Money Advice team at the University of Gloucestershire, said the pressures are clear: “It’s affecting everybody. So of course it will also affect students in a big way. Money worries can be the link to poor mental health, and it can just make students really miserable and ruin their student experience.”
Garfitt explained that her team has seen a growing number of students seeking financial guidance, and that early awareness is key.
“We encourage students to apply for their student funds as soon as they’re able to, because not many realise they can apply before they’ve even got a confirmed offer. By applying early, they know how much support they’ll get — and we can step in sooner if there are gaps.”
She also stressed the importance of reaching out for advice before problems spiral:
“If you don’t talk to anyone about money worries, it snowballs into something huge. As soon as students come to us, you can see the relief on their faces. They realise there are options — whether that’s reassessing their loan, applying for hardship funds, or just learning how to budget properly.”
The Gloucestershire Money Advice team now runs financial literacy sessions for new students, covering essentials such as overdrafts, credit cards and how to stretch a termly loan payment. Garfitt said these practical skills can make the difference between scraping by and dropping out.
“We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help students stay on their course and enjoy it. Nobody’s going to be loaded, but with the right support they can make it work.”
The survey also revealed that 59% of students admitted to skipping meals at least some of the time to save money — a stark reminder, Garfitt said, that financial support must be seen as part of student wellbeing.
“The university recognises that money worries are clearly linked to poor mental health. That’s why our Money Advice team sits alongside counselling, welfare and disability services. Because the cost-of-living crisis isn’t just about money — it’s about students’ futures and their health.”