Introduction
The addition of a low-income student rep would be beneficial to many, particularly those who don’t feel represented currently within the University. The stereotype of a student is that they live off cheap noodles and cheap coffee but this is less a silly joke and more of a reality for many across our campus. Low-income students deserve their own representative, they should not be bundled under a different role or simply neglected. This role would allow someone who is either low-income themselves, from a low-income background or even someone who is better off finically, all that matters is that they are passionate about helping those who need it. I needed someone to talk to about my financial situation, I wanted advice yet I found nowhere to turn. My issue did not fall under any another student representative. It may be intersectional but one person who specialises in this topic would be best otherwise you are leaving low-income students to feel like they are not worthy of help.
General information
Low-income students face so many issues within university life. Uni living is not cheap as everyone knows, the highest student loan barely covers bills for most and if you are a student with parents/guardians that make more money you get a lower student loan, even if they do not give you financial help. Sure, this issue could be dealt with the housing rep but what if the person just wants someone to talk to? What if this is a small part of a larger image? Such as linking it to being unable to afford food, how would a housing rep then help that student with this issue? Pass them onto someone else? Asking for help can feel so embarrassing and being passed around 2 or more student reps is not fair, that is having to be so open and venerable about such a sensitive topic to not only one stranger but multiple. Why do you truly think that this is fair? One very common question asked was “why do low-income students need a representative?” because they’re human, because we are worth one person who will help with our issues, we deserve more than being passed around multiple representatives. Another question brought up was the emotional burden on a student or if a low-income student could balance this alongside their own issues; low-income students are as capable as any other student, volunteering for this role is something that a person would think about before doing it, people can judge if they could handle it or not. It also does not have to be someone who is low-income, if the person is passionate and caring, they’ll do a great job.
Low-income students face so many issues, such as moving from high school with free school lunches, breakfast club etc and then being thrown into university with no safety net at all is jarring. On top of this, the social cost of university life is no joke. Societies cost money, university events tend to cost money, going out for a few drinks with your friends costs money and a lot of society socials involve this. During freshers/refreshers week, the university offers free events for students but that’s it. A low-income student rep could work on and collaborate with other reps and maybe create more free social nights or at least pay what you can nights so those who are more finically stable can pay and allow those who cannot to still enjoy themselves. My main point here is university life is isolating if you’re on a budget. Even day to day things such as exercise is not cheap, the campus gym is pricey for someone on a budget and then on top of that, sports clubs and societies once again cost money.
There is a massive misconception that low-income students are okay due to the fact that they get the “highest” student loan, a lot of Scottish students send money to their families to support them and usually arrive to university with no savings as well due to the fact they would have been supporting their family back home and outside of these students, not all low income students get high student loan due to the fact, like I mentioned before, their parents are high income but they gain no support. Students who face financial challenges may just want someone to talk to, they may not have family members to discuss these topics with or friends as everyone worries about money. Someone to listen can do wonders or even just point them in the right direction for support as navigating support within such a large campus is hard. For instance, having free period products somewhere on campus is fine and dandy until the student can’t find them, maybe you would view this as a query to email a women’s rep but what if the students view it more as “I can’t afford pads this month, who can I talk to about my money and how I can access free ones?” Many may not think to turn to the women’s rep due to it being a matter of finances. Finding help on campus is not easy nor is knowing where things are or even who to ask! Having someone to point you in the right direction is necessary.
We have things in place to help students such as the student hardship fund but it is so invasive, if you are not aware it asks for a breakdown of what you spend your money on (i.e. food, transport, debt repayments, clothing, etc) which is so beyond invasive. I’m not saying this should change nor am I saying it’s right but a student rep would be able to offer assistance, guide students towards this as a lot are not aware it exists. Asking for help is embarrassing enough, we already don’t treat low-income people with a lot of respect, we expect them to bare all to us so we can judge if they struggle enough. This student hardship fund is no different than universal credit which requires the person to show their spending, justify it and allow access to bank statements regularly. Invasive. The pantry was taken away from students at the drop of a hat and these students did not have anyone to turn to, to air their grievances or worries with, someone to ask “hey, where can I go for help?”. This is not fair, there is a lack of stability already within the lives of those who are low income as they fear money issues, we all fear opening up our bank apps after a week of making one too many coffees but this dread is real for many after a simple food shop.
Means testing is not fair to students and having someone to voice this would be good among other issues. A voice is needed.
Conclusion + Motion
In conclusion, I would like the council to vote on whether or not a low-income student rep should be added. Low-income students deserve their own rep to go to when they need help or just someone to talk to. We should not have to be passed around a ton of reps, explaining our personal details to multiple people, there should be one person. Thank you for your time.
Legacy Timeline
- A vote on the addition of a low-income student rep role.
- The changing of the council papers to include this rep if it is voted in.
- Elections, advertising/promoting the new role so people know that they can run for it.
- Eventually, someone will be elected and will then take up the role.
- Finally, the support for these students will be in place.
- Promotion of the rep being added after elections as well so it is known by students.