Universities in England and Wales double or triple student hardship funds

University and student leaders say they are seeing signs of students unable to cope with cost of living crisis

Universities in England and Wales are doubling or tripling their hardship funds in anticipation of unprecedented" demand from students struggling with the cost of living, amid fears of widespread dropouts unless ministers offer more support.

Just days into the new academic year, university and student leaders said they were already seeing signs of students being unable to cope, including not affording books for their courses, working 40-hour weeks, and being at risk of homelessness.