University of Wollongong students are struggling financially as the cost-of-living skyrockets, making it hard for those already on tight budgets to pay the bills and buy groceries.
UOW student Cunial Burns said that young people have been experiencing financial struggles for two years.
“I have noticed a gradual increase over the last couple of years,” Ms Burns said.
“It is becoming noticeable and harder to live with as it is now affecting my daily life.”
On April 26, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) published a report examining major price rises including medical and hospital services, education, gas and other household costs and accommodation.
“I find that when you are studying full time you cannot make money to be able to live more comfortably than you would if you did work full time and you have a sustainable income,” Ms Burns said.
“I am currently paying my car on a loan, and I notice that the payments have risent.
Ms Burns suggested that more aid, that was accessible to everyone, would be a way to tackle the increase in living expenses.
“I think a good strategy would be to provide benefits such as rental assistance,” she added.
The University of Wollongong has held numerous voluntary activities that support students with financial difficulties, one of them is the UOW PULSE pantry program.
UOW PULSE pantry volunteer lead, Aayushi Kumar said that the ultimate purpose for this program is to support all students who are financially struggling.
“The highest we got is like 300 students in one day during Covid. Now we have around 100 to 150 students a day,” Ms Kumar said.
“I feel like these opportunities and these activities actually help students with their daily lives as well as communication skills.”
Pulsie Pantry gives free groceries for students in need every Wednesday and Thursday.
This provides constant support for university students during the highest peak of inflation.
