Universities across the country are implementing innovative measures to alleviate the financial burden faced by students amidst the soaring cost of living. One such measure is the introduction of compact teaching timetables, where lectures and seminars are condensed into two or three days instead of being spread out throughout the week. This change aims to accommodate the growing number of students who find it necessary to take on part-time jobs in order to make ends meet. Recent data shows that more than half of all students now work alongside their studies, a notable increase from 45% in 2022 and 34% in 2021.
Young individuals embarking on their university journey this autumn are faced with financial uncertainty due to insufficient maintenance loans that barely cover accommodation costs and families struggling to afford parental contributions. To combat this issue, two-thirds of incoming students plan to seek part-time employment to stay financially afloat, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas). Unfortunately, many students find themselves having to skip meals, work additional shifts, or rely on credit cards simply to survive.
Recognizing the pressing need to address these challenges, De Montfort University in Leicester piloted compact timetables in half of its courses last year and is now implementing them across all programs this fall. Under this system, instead of studying four modules concurrently with minimal weekly teaching hours for each, students will focus on one module for a period of seven weeks. Vice-Chancellor Prof Katie Normington explains that this change will better align with students’ lives, particularly those juggling work and other responsibilities. Notably, student feedback from last year’s trial was overwhelmingly positive, with internal surveys indicating that those on the block-teaching timetable reported 10% higher satisfaction levels compared to their counterparts.
The implementation of compact timetables also benefits students who commute or choose to live at home due to rising rents and living costs. Prof Normington highlights that the proportion of students with a Leicester or Leicestershire postcode rose from 42% to 47% in the previous year. For these students, commuting to campus a few times a week proves more feasible and cost-effective than making the trip four or five times for shorter periods.
Other universities following a similar model include Sunderland, Anglia Ruskin (London campuses), the University of Law (with 16 campuses across England), and Coventry University’s Dagenham and Greenwich campuses, where students receive instruction over two and a half days each week.
John Dishman, pro-vice-chancellor and CEO of CU Group, emphasizes that the decision to adopt this schedule structure is directly linked to the cost of living issue, particularly in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham, which faces high poverty levels. As maintenance loans and part-time work constitute the main sources of income for these students, the ability to balance work and study becomes crucial. Many individuals work nearly full-time hours, dedicating themselves to their studies during their remaining time. Dishman acknowledges the extraordinary dedication displayed by these students and highlights the transformative impact of their hard work during the annual graduation ceremony at the O2.
Similarly, Coventry University’s Coventry and Scarborough campuses organize lectures and seminars either in the mornings or afternoons five days a week, aligning with their commitment to “life-shaped learning.” Roehampton University has also restructured its timetables to allow students to better plan ahead and accommodate paid work. Starting this autumn, most undergraduate degree courses’ first year at Roehampton University will have teaching scheduled for no more than three days a week, enabling students to balance their studies with work, caregiving responsibilities, and other commitments.
The rising concerns regarding the cost of living have been underscored in this year’s student experience survey conducted by Advance HE and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI). Of the 10,000 respondents, over three-quarters stated that these concerns had a detrimental impact on their studies and were identified as a significant factor in the contemplation of dropping out.
Addressing these challenges, HEPI director Nick Hillman emphasizes the urgent need for those in power to reassess the available maintenance support for undergraduates. While the universities minister has recently ruled out a fee increase due to existing financial pressures on families, Hillman argues that the issue lies not in fees, but rather in the rising costs of rent and groceries. If ministers truly prioritize these concerns, they should focus on increasing maintenance loans.
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, recently revealed that he would not be able to afford university education in the current climate. He detailed his experience at Leeds University, where he relied on working, maintenance grants, and meticulous budgeting for rent, bills, and food. Since the abolition of maintenance grants for the neediest students in 2015, there has been anticipation surrounding potential changes to student finance from the Labour Party.
In conclusion, universities are taking proactive steps to address the growing cost of living crisis faced by students. Compact timetables are being implemented to allow students to pursue part-time work and manage their financial responsibilities more effectively. These changes not only benefit students who need to work but also commuters and individuals living in high-cost areas. Urgent attention must be given to improving the maintenance support available to undergraduates, as the rising cost of living continues to impact student experiences and potentially hinder their academic progress.
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