‘At first I thought of living here but now I’m reconsidering.’ International students on the cost-of
- Edimar Kampgen
- May 12, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2023
By Prerna Kumar and Edimar Kampgen.
Amna,Halifa at London Metropolitan Junction. Picture by Edimar Kampgen
Many international students come to the United Kingdom in hopes of beginning a new life. With the cost-of-living crisis, this hope has turned into a fantasy.
In the video below, we talk to LondonMet students Amna and Halifa who tell us about their experiences as international students, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, mental health, and plans after finishing university.
International students’ struggles podcast. Video by Edimar Kampgen.
Amna,Halifa, Prerna and Edimar in a Podcast at London Metropolitan Junction.
By Edimar Kampgen
Many international students struggle financially due to inflation, with many students not even being able to “afford to travel to their university library,” according to Fortune. Marta Vanni, 21, an international relations and languages student does not have any dependents and says that two weeks’ worth of groceries costs her £70. “Even for pens, [prices] just doubled,” she adds.
Studying in a different country can be extremely isolating for young people, and having a social life is becoming more and more expensive. The average price of a pint went up by 9% compared to last year, according to Sky News, which has already affected the consumers, with beer sales down 10%.
Inderpal Singh, 24, international business management student, says that spending even the minimal amount can affect the monthly budget: ‘That £20-30, you could get your weekly groceries from that!”
The struggle of an international student goes beyond their education and into full-time employment. According to the Economic Times, the government is planning a reform which might mean that many young people may have to leave the country if they cannot get a job within 6 months.
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