University students in Paisley staged a demonstration calling on more support during the cost-of-living crisis amid claims that some are unable to afford to study and feed their families.
Gathering outside the High Street entrance to the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in Paisley on Tuesday, before marching down to the library on Storie Street, learners called for an emergency cost-of-living grant to be paid to those struggling with their finances.
Daniel Lachlan, who studies psychology at the uni, told the Paisley Daily Express that, in his role as organiser with UWS Socialist Students, he has been contacted by other people trying to find out what help is available amid dire circumstances for students.
“I had an international student who reached out to me saying, ‘I am at rock bottom, I’ve come over here with my spouse and my small child to try and better myself and to get a degree. But I have nothing, I can’t get a job, everyone’s just knocking me back. I’m struggling to put food on the table. Is there any way I could get food stamps or something like that to keep myself afloat for now until I can find a job?’, which was horrible to hear.”
Daniel, 20, is one of the founding members of UWS Socialist Students – with the group being set up in January in order to campaign for more support for students during the cost-of-living crisis. They have issued a 10-point list of aims to pursue.
As well as a cost-of-living grant, they’re calling for the university to take third-party student halls under their control and to place limits on the amount that can be charged for them.
Deyan Stroughair studies music technology at UWS and was a speaker at the demonstration.
The 24-year-old works multiple jobs while pursuing his degree and says students are struggling to balance their studies with paid work needed to afford rental costs.
Deyan says students staying on Storie Street in student accommodation are currently paying £520 a month to share a “cardboard box” flat with five other people.
Meanwhile, the maximum loan students can receive from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is £8,100 per year or £675 per month – leaving students with just £155 per month for all other living costs and bills after rent has been
paid.
“I know many students who are having to do full-time jobs while they’re also trying to do a full-time degree,” Deyan said.
“It takes so much time away from what you’re meant to be doing with your time at university, which is developing the skills that you need to get a decent job later in life in your sector and to develop your academic skills. It’s supposed to be a time in your life dedicated to intellectual curiosity.”
UWS Socialist Students are calling for an end to all tuition fees for home and international students and would like to see student loans replaced with living grants that rise with the rate of inflation.
And on campus, they are seeking a £15 minimum wage to be introduced for every worker and subsidised university canteen meals for students struggling to feed themselves.
Daniel said: “I just think that students need a boost to get back on their feet at the moment. The dropout rates are through the roof this year – and I think the cause of that is because people simply can’t afford to be here.”
A spokesperson for UWS said: “At UWS, we are here for our students and staff. The vast majority of the issues listed by the group relate to national policy matters. We provide a comprehensive range of support to ensure the wellbeing of our university community.”
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