Many students in Lincolnshire are said to be at "breaking point" due to the cost of living crisis
The University of Lincoln is tackling this by offering food bank and care packages
The cost of living crisis is having a major impact on students across Lincolnshire and Newark with one study indicating many are at "breaking point". To tackle this, the University of Lincoln student union says they've put together a support package to help with costs.
Students are bracing themselves for a tough winter as they're hit by the cost of living crisis.Â
As many young adults have recently began their University journey's, most beginning just last week, concern for impact of the cost of living crisis is now growing.Â
Like most of the country, students in Lincolnshire and Newark are said to be at "breaking point" due to the cost of living crisis.Â
A survey by the National Union of Students shows many are struggling to afford course materials whilst 92% say rising costs are impacting their mental health.
READ MORE: Fears the cost of living crisis may lead to more young people leaving Lincolnshire
Kat Kirchin is from the University of Lincoln students union which have been working to combat this issue.Â
They're providing a food bank and care packages to those at the University, but there's been a big increase in the numbers coming to them for help:
"Students are reaching out to us now, throughout this Fresher's Week we've seen a lot more students be more open and say 'oh, I really want to talk to the Wellbeing Centre, because I think I might need them' or come to us and ask where they can find that support."
Kat continued to mention that the situation is very worrying:
"It's something we're aware of and I think we're trying to prepare for because we know that, even just from personal experience as students, we know it can be quite stressful when you know that your loan's not coming in for another few weeks, and you've still got to pay some stuff. We know that it's stressful so we just, kind of, guess that it's going to get worse."
READ MORE: Fears of possible drink spiking as students return to the University of Lincoln
Lastly, Kat detailed what's included in these support packages at the University:
"We do care package which are, smilar to food banks, but it's just toiletries and cleaning products and things, like extra bits that aren't just food. Also, we're doing education around finances and around actually cutting costs."
A survey of 3,500 students and apprentices found that almost a third are left with just £50 a month after paying rent and bills, with student accommodation prices increasing by 61% in the last decade.