The financial strain of the cost of living crisis continues to shape the student experience at Stirling, with new figures confirming more than 800 awards were made from the University’s Discretionary and Assistance Funds this previous academic year.
The funds are intended to help students cover essential living costs from rent and groceries to travel and course materials, but many students say these pressures continue to build despite the support available.
A University of Stirling spokesperson said: “Financial support is available through Discretionary and Assistance Funds, helping eligible students to meet essential costs and remain engaged with their studies. Alongside the funds, more personalised one-to-one guidance to support students in accessing short-term financial support solutions that work for them is available through our Money Support Team.”
According to the University, 801 awards were issued across the 2024/25 academic year, with full information available on the Discretionary and Assistance Funds webpage.
Rising Costs
The Students’ Union said that while some students manage comfortably, many more are being pushed into part-time work alongside full-time study simply to keep up with basic expenses.
A Students’ Union spokesperson told Brig: “We know that while many students will not be limited in their university experience by rising costs, many more will be working alongside their studies and managing tight budgets.”
Students who spoke to Brig echoed this, describing university as “more expensive than expected,” with hidden costs ranging from course materials to travel, fieldwork, and increasingly high rents.
One student said: “Nobody likes talking about money, but uni is expensive in ways you don’t expect. Even with loans, the hidden costs add up.”
Another said the financial pressure has reshaped their entire university experience: “People talk about getting involved, joining clubs, going out but for a lot of us, that’s just not realistic.
“You have to prioritise living.”
Cost Barriers in Sport
While the financial strain affects students across the board, sport is one area where inequality appears early and grows over time.
Union membership data from 2023 suggests students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to become Academic Reps than join societies, and least likely of all to take part in university sport.
A Students’ Union spokesperson said: “Inequality in sport begins far before university and is part of wider financial challenges facing society as a whole.
“In fighting for members, the Students’ Union continues to campaign for better deals for students in day-to-day life, most recently with the Sabbatical Officers calling for rent controls on Purpose Built Student Accommodation.”
For many students, the cost of club membership, kit, travel and competition fees becomes the first thing to drop when money gets tight.
Why This Matters
As rent, course expenses, transport and living costs continue to rise, Stirling students say that financial strain doesn’t just affect what they can afford it affects how connected they feel to university life.
When students struggle, the divide between those who can afford the full experience and those who can’t become increasingly visible.
As one student put it: “Loans cover the basics, but anything extra joining a club, going on a night out, even buying books pushes people past their limit really quickly.”
With exam season approaching and winter costs rising, students say clearer signposting, accessible support, and greater transparency around hidden course-related expenses could make the difference between thriving at university or quietly struggling through it.
Featured Image Credit: Erin Schoolar
