Hundreds of students at the University of Manchester are staging a rent strike amid claims they've been forced to use food banks and get full-time jobs to make ends meet.
The students are calling for the university to offer a 30 per cent cut on monthly payments, and refund some fees already paid to help with the affordability of rent for the rest of the year.
It comes as a survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that more than nine in ten students were either somewhat or very worried about the cost of living.
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Half of students revealed they had financial difficulties, with more than three-quarters saying they were concerned the rising cost of living may affect how well they do in their studies. Bosses confirmed that rent had been increased by as much as six per cent for some university accommodation, as they said the hikes had been offset by a package of support for students.
But some students say the support offered by the university doesn't go far enough. The M.E.N has been told some students are relying on food banks, with others working full-time jobs alongside their studies in order to keep up with rent payments.
Fraser McGuire, 19, a first-year history and politics student, said he would be taking part in the rent strike as he'd be left with just £200 for the next few months after halls of residence fees came out.
"Like a lot of students I have always found the rent very high but especially finding out it has increased over the last year," he said.
"It's the same accommodation that people who graduated several years ago lived in but we have to pay more for it. The university knows there's a cost of living crisis but they are still putting rent up.
"They admitted that rent has gone up by up to six per cent which is anything between £7 and £10 a week, which is a lot for students who are struggling financially."
Fraser claims that after his student loan comes in on January 16 and his rent leaves his account on the 19th, he would have £200 left to last him until April - which is still three months away.
"It's the same for lots of students here," he said. "I know students in Manchester who are working full time jobs as well as their degrees because they can't afford not to. Lots of people haven't come back yet this year because it's cheaper for them to stay at home.
"We are not saying the university isn't doing something but their income is £1.2billion a year and what they've offered so far really isn't good enough. A lot of the accommodation we are paying for is also sub-standard.
"We've heard reports of people with rats and mould and a survey we did revealed only seven per cent were satisfied. Whilst the university has provided some help it's not enough. I know there are students relying on food banks and working full-time."
According to a survey by the National Union of Students (NUS), more than one in ten students are using food banks as a result of soaring prices and bills.
A spokesperson for the University of Manchester said: "We know, as for very many in society, this is a difficult time for many students. So, we have worked closely with our Students' Union and implemented a whole range of measures to reduce the financial impact on our students.
"Rents at our University accommodation are lower than similar private sector accommodation and students also have free access to services and support not available elsewhere.
"Increases in rent for academic year 2022/23 were limited to between 1.5% and 6%, with the lowest rises in the least expensive accommodation. All of our accommodation comes with energy, water and Wi-Fi included, so the significant inflationary increases have been absorbed in the fixed rents.
"Any student who is struggling with their rent or any other financial hardship can apply to our expanded cost of living support fund for a grant of up to £2,000. This is part of a £9m package which includes a payment of £170 to all full-time students.
"We have also put into place further assistance in the form of cheaper food options, free microwave and hot water facilities, free showers, and free period products. Library fines have been ended and free eBooks provided to help students meet costs of studying.
"Working with the Students’ Union, the University is providing more jobs for students on campus, easier and increased access to short-term emergency financial assistance, and funding a new Money Advisor post to be created in the Students’ Union. These and other measures are detailed online and have been communicated to students.
"We will do everything we can to support students who are unable to pay their rent and urge anyone struggling to speak to us as soon as possible. We are not currently aware of any students refusing to pay their rent but are aware of recent online comments made by a small number of campaigners."
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