Maintenance loans are falling £502 short of monthly living costs, meaning that students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are facing more disadvantages, accoring to research by Save the Student.

Art history student, Phoebe, said that student finance is not enough to cover rent. 

“I have to go home straight after classes finish to cram in as much work at my hometown job as possible, just save it all and hope that it’ll be enough to live off the following term. 

“I’ve also had to pick up a few shifts a week in Norwich to keep up with everything.” 

Psychology student, Kenisha, has disputed the SFE allocated funds in the past.  

After being rejected on multiple occasions, she said that having to use up her trust fund and rely on her parents has “filled [her] with guilt.” 

“I’ve called to dispute and they kept rejecting me, so I gave up. 

“My rent this year is almost £9000, so I put all my loan towards rent, and my parents help make up what’s left, but they are still taking out loans to help”.  

Financial hardship awards 

upReach’s Student Social Mobility Awards 2026 (SSMA) will celebrate students who are achieving “remarkable things” whilst navigating financial hardships or a lack of industry connections. 

Last year, 135 students from 48 universities were nominated.  

Of these, 60 per cent were the first in their family to attend university, 53 per cent were eligible for free school meals, and 23 per cent had caring responsibilities or were previously in care. 

A previous winner said that they “felt [their] past struggles as a caregiver and balancing multiple jobs” were something to be proud of. 

“For the first time, instead of my grades being recognised or the pieces of work I create being recognised, I was being recognised”.  

This year, the eighth annual awards ceremony will be held on 8 July 2026 at Drapers’ Hall.  

Winners will be awarded across 14 categories, covering undergraduates, universities, widening participation organisations, employers, and mentors.  

Nominations are open now and will close on 22 March 2026, with students able to nominate themselves or others. 

Image credit: Needpix