The cost of living crisis will be as bad, or worse, than the effect of the pandemic for some students, a Welsh university Vice Chancellor has warned. Ben Calvert, VC of the University of South Wales, made the comment as he gave evidence at the opening of a Senedd committee inquiry into mental health in higher education.
“We have got another crisis, which is the cost of living crisis, coming along,” Dr Calvert told members of the Children Young People and Education Committee. The committee opened its inquiry into student mental health as universities across the UK are being urged to introduce proactive measures to help prevent student suicides.
Orla Tarn, president of the NUS Wales told members how one student from Wales reported having just £100 left of their student support package until January after paying rent and bills this term. Some students used f ood banks and had only £10 a week to spend on food with money worries adding to already rising levels of mental health problems.
