In Northern Ireland, students are skipping meals due to the cost of living crisis, a recent survey has revealed.

The NUS-USI (National Union of Students NI) survey also showed that more than half of those surveyed were left without heating.

“For some students it really is a choice between heating and eating,” a student welfare officer at Queen’s University Belfast told BBC News NI.

With some students struggling financially, universities are now launching initiatives to help them cope with the cost of living crisis.

One such initiative is the Queen’s Pantry: a free food station for students.

It began in 2022 and has seen an increase in demand, with around 5,000 people using the service since September.

The survey, of more than 600 students and apprentices in Northern Ireland, found that 19% had used a food bank in the last year, an annual increase of 12%.

“Only dependent on the pantry”

Muphuselban is studying for a Masters of Science at Queen’s and using the Pantry.

“My breakfast depends solely on the pantry,” Muphuselban told BBC News NI.

“The foods I get in the pantry, I find very expensive in the supermarkets and I can spend my money on other things.

“Using the Pantry helps me stay healthy: I can eat more and more varied foods because I don’t worry about the cost.

“I have to work, I have missions to do.”

Another initiative to help students cope with the cost of living is the Swap Shop, which opened about two months ago.

The store allows people to exchange one item of clothing for another.

“Choice between heating and eating”

“Its main focus is sustainability, but it also has a big cost of living element,” Jess, head of social services at Queen’s Students’ Union, told BBC News NI.

“Half of students only have £100 left after paying their monthly rent, for many people this doesn’t include bills.

“For some students, it’s really a choice between keeping warm and eating. For many people, buying new clothes is simply out of the question, which is why the Swap Shop is a good idea.”

Jess believes more needs to be done to fill the gap once students have paid for their basic necessities and “control skyrocketing rent costs.”

Of those surveyed, 44% admitted to having difficulty paying their housing costs.

And 92% of those surveyed reported problems with their homes, including mold and infestations.

“How does the government expect students to eat?

Chris Murray represents students at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus.

“The cheapest student accommodation in Belfast costs £550 a month, which isn’t even covered by a student loan, so how does the government expect students to eat?” he asked.

“Sometimes students pay for a contract they can’t cancel and have to move to their parents, who may be hours away, just to get free meals.”

Financial difficulties also have an impact on students’ studies.

The survey showed that 22% of students missed classes because they cannot afford to take public transportation to get there.

Chris said it also affects students’ mental health.

“The stress of ‘Am I going to eat my next meal?’ “It’s going to impact a student’s ability to concentrate and do their studies…any stress related to the cost of living would have just taken up my whole mind,” Chris said.

“Alarming rates of student poverty”

Speaking about the survey findings, NUS-USI President Ben Friel said: “It is simply unacceptable that so many students are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and rent.

“We are seeing a generation of students racking up credit card and loan debt just to keep a roof over their heads.

“These alarming rates of student poverty are not normal.”