Student experiences of financial support in summer 2021: insights

Conclusion

758 responses received to a Questback Online Survey on students' experiences of financial support in summer 2021 were analysed.

Whilst there are limitations to what this survey can tell us given it is a self-selecting online sample, it does give us an indication of what the responding students felt about their experiences of financial support over the summer of 2021.

It shows that the majority (57%) of students responding to the survey said that they struggled with financial support / income over the summer more than they did during term time.

The survey also tells us that half of those responding were in paid employment over the summer. The most common reason for being employed for part of the summer 2021 or not at all over the summer was the lack of employment opportunities.

63% of respondents said they experienced financial hardship over summer 2021. Looking at experience of financial hardship by level of study, 77% of HE college students responding to the survey said that they had experienced financial hardship over the summer of 2021. For degree university students this was 67%; 55% of FE college students said that they experienced financial hardship; and 54% of postgraduate university students.

The majority of students responding to this survey said that they paid rent / accommodation costs over the summer of 2021 (67%). Of which, 59% said that they paid the same amount as they did during term time.

The survey also provides some insight around whether students replying to the questionnaire applied for any discretionary or hardship support over the summer of 2021, and how they felt about the application process, as well as on respondents' views on access to benefits over summer 2021.