This April, the UK’s cost of living is set to increase by approximately £200, but what does this mean for university students? And how should they prepare?
Britain’s cost-of-living crisis persists, and starting next month, it’s due to double down with a spike that will impact thousands of households.
Considering the dire state of world news right now, you have probably already guessed the problem behind this. The war in the Middle East is largely impacting the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. The Iran war and the attack on Qatar’s gas infrastructure have caused detrimental damage. Blocking access to the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, thousands of people all around the world are being affected. And students need to look out for ways to survive during this period.
The details
Starting on Wednesday, 1st April, all bills are set for an increase. Students can expect to see a major hike in water bills in England and Wales by approximately £33 per household.
Additionally, if, like most of the country, you haven’t been phased by the whole ‘TV licence’ thing, then now might be the time to start worrying. As of 1st April, the TV licence for colour television will officially rise by £5.50, while black and white will add £2. These increases may seem small, but in the grand scheme of things, they matter.
Passport costs are increasing. Yes, you read that correctly. An item that already feels like you need to withdraw a mortgage before buying one is increasing yet again. Premium one-day passports will rise from £222 to £239.50. For the normal 3-week application process, adult passports will now be £102 and £66.50 for kids.
How the cost of living crisis impacts students
If you’re in your first year, it’s more than likely that you’re in halls, and your university is organising your rent payments for you. But for those of you who are in their second, third or fourth year, this majorly impacts you. Council tax, water bills and broadband, to name a few, are some of the areas that are due to be impacted this April. Generally speaking, the spike in the cost-of-living will make it even harder for university students to get by.
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What can students do to reduce the costs?
Largely speaking, university students don’t need to pay council tax, so if you’ve received any enquiries about this, it’s time to find your university acceptance letter and give the council a call!
As for everything else, there are only a few areas that you can do anything about. While you can’t exactly negotiate water costs, you can manage your utility bills by reducing the rate of your heating. Turning switches off that aren’t being used. Keeping lights off unless necessary. I know it sounds like you’re reducing yourself to unhabitable living, but this isn’t forever, just a temporary fix.
As for more general bills like your broadband, a lot of the time, you can find deals with your mobile service device. Virgin Media, EE and Vodafone each have packages where you can benefit from better phone contracts as well as broadband. This isn’t to say go out of your way and switch contracts; moreover, if you’re with a company that offers these services, it’s worth investigating the benefits.
At Inside Success, we take pride in informing the younger generation about the rapid changes in the cost-of-living crisis and how it can impact them. If you want to stay up to date on this, subscribe to monthly updates.
Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
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