< BACK TO CONTENTS UNITE STUDENTS | THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND ON THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE FINANCE AND WORK 13 > FINANCIAL ISSUES Having restricted financial means could affect students in a number of ways, reducing their activities and options compared to other students. Some spoke about not going to open days, or only going to those that were nearby or where they could share a lift. “The only reason why I went [to the open day] is because my friend was going and I got a lift there… as no-one in my family drives… it just wasn’t viable for me to go [on the train]… as it was going to be over £100.” Financial issues could restrict the choice of university, especially in the case of students who were commuting. However, the decision to commute was not always due to finances alone - cultural and religious considerations could also play a part in the decision. Students who commuted spoke positively about the practical and emotional support they had from their families. However, a common theme was parents not being able to help cover extra or unexpected expenses. Some students had supported parents through difficult times, either financially or by moving home. “They would have to use some of my money to help pay for bills. They’d never ask me, it was more something I wanted to help them with.” Unexpected expenses could cause practical difficulties among students with very restricted means, for example a broken laptop can mean having to rely on university computer clusters which are not available all the time. Difficulties are also caused by rent dates not lining up with student loan payments. While this is usually taken into account within PBSA, it is not always the case for HMO accommodation. Financial constraints can also single students out from their friends, and some felt that more affluent students didn’t fully understand their financial struggles. “Everyone just kind of says, ‘me too’ even though they… spend a lot more money” Students who had qualified for financial support appreciated it, but at the same time it could feel stigmatising. WORK Term-time work was a feature of many students’ experiences. A few had also taken a gap year to earn money to support themselves at university. >