Herts Uni supporting students going hungry due to cost-of-living
The University of Hertfordshire is supporting students experiencing financial difficulties during the cost-of-living crisis.
With returning students and new arrivals this week, the new term is well and truly underway at the University of Hertfordshire.
Although most students are getting excited about this next chapter of their lives, many are worried about financial hardship caused by the cost-of-living crisis.
For third years students, this is another element added to the long list of difficulties they have had to face over the years, including the pandemic and industrial action.
Razna Mumbi, third year student in Digital Media Design, said: "The last two years I was on private renting and it was hard."
"Sometimes there were moments where it was either paying my utility bill or find what I was going to eat that week and it was a very hard balance."
Staff at the University work to support students in any way they can, including by handing out food vouchers on campus.
The Student Union at the University of Hertfordshire further decided to bring prices down for events and society memberships to allow as many students as possible to get involved.
Razna Mumbi also spoke of her first year there, which was tainted by the pandemic and personal difficulties she had to face.
She said: "Personally I have ADHD and I was diagnosed during the Covid period, so it was very hard trying to find help and resources and finding a place to find my medication."
For Hamnah Baig, second year student in Computer Science, her decision to go to university was a long process due to the various crises affecting students.
She said: "I've got so many friends taking gap years and even for me, I came in through clearing and was initially going to take a gap year."
Students across the country are facing the same struggles, with more students thinking twice about their decision to go to university altogether.
Mairi Watson, Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "We are very aware of the cost of coming to university and we work very closely with out Student's Union in making sure we have the right level of financial support for our students."
"Last year, we gave over a million pounds into our hardship funding, and this year we are repeating that and are looking to extend that if it is required."
Freshers week events are underway this week, ahead of teaching next week.