Students at universities across London will be affected by the rise in tuition fees.
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City News spoke with Nathan Walsworth, a former student at London Southbank university. He discussed why he ended up wanting to leave London and the impact of rising costs on London’s student community.
Walsworth attended London Southbank university where he studied design, but he found the high cost of living in London untenable.
The government recently announced that undergraduate student fees are set to rise for the 2025/26 academic year.
Walsworth previously thought that the potential career benefits that came with attending London universities outweighed the drawbacks of the raised cost of living.
Now he is no longer convinced. “If I was to do university again, I don’t think I would do London”.
The cultural and historical wonders of London have always made it an attractive city, but questions are rising over its affordability. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour’s Education secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the difficulties that students faced trying to sustain themselves, acknowledging “the trouble they had making ends meet as they worked hard not merely at their studies, but often at two or more jobs on top”.
With an increased cost of accommodation, the reality of student life in London is particularly hard for those from lower income backgrounds. Phillipson announced that the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students is “the highest on record”.
The affordability gap is one of several of challenges the Labour government faces over higher education.
Affordability of London
One possible consequence of the rise in living costs is a reduction in student intake, as students go elsewhere to study, including abroad.
“We’ve already got a massive problem with brain drain in this country … and more students will just choose to study abroad.” remarked Walsworth. Although the UK is home to many reputable universities and polytechnics, the rise in the overall cost of tuition poses a challenge to all those future students thinking about entering higher education in London.
However, many aspects of London’s recreational and cultural scene remain a major pull factor. A variety of the artistic institutions that London boasts do accommodate for students and their tight budgets.
Walsworth said of the fairly priced exhibitions and museums “I think its something that London does really well”. Labour’s recently announced budget has raised the bus cap to £3, however the price cap for a single London bus fare has remained. For many this means that London bus transport will remain affordable for some time.
Bridget Phillipson announced in Parliament that student tuition fees would be raised for students in the 2025/26 academic year (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Despite the growing costs attributed to living in London, Walsworth remained optimistic that students could benefit from the unique character of London. He stated “All these places are inspiring to someone young to see, these great pieces of art or great buildings that have been made. Its inspiring as someone to think that’s a level I could reach one day”.
The Education secretary recognized the importance of providing lower fees for some students, and announced a lower limit to fees paid by those in their foundation year of higher education.
For the many students who are supporting their studies through part-time work, the pay rise of up to £10 for those aged between 18 and 20 may come as welcome news.
As Kier Starmer’s government is now past its early days in power, it has so far shown that it has had to retrace its steps.
Labour previously flirted with scrapping tuition fees, but after yesterday’s announcement that seems like a long time ago.
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Headline‘If I was to do to university again, I don’t think I would do London’: The cost for students living in London
Short HeadlineStudents concerned amidst tuition fee rise
StandfirstHow have young people reacted to Starmer's new tuition fee hike for students?
City News spoke with Nathan Walsworth, a former student at London Southbank university. He discussed why he ended up wanting to leave London and the impact of rising costs on London’s student community.
Walsworth attended London Southbank university where he studied design, but he found the high cost of living in London untenable.
The government recently announced that undergraduate student fees are set to rise for the 2025/26 academic year.
Walsworth previously thought that the potential career benefits that came with attending London universities outweighed the drawbacks of the raised cost of living.
Now he is no longer convinced. “If I was to do university again, I don’t think I would do London”.
The cultural and historical wonders of London have always made it an attractive city, but questions are rising over its affordability. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour’s Education secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the difficulties that students faced trying to sustain themselves, acknowledging “the trouble they had making ends meet as they worked hard not merely at their studies, but often at two or more jobs on top”.
With an increased cost of accommodation, the reality of student life in London is particularly hard for those from lower income backgrounds. Phillipson announced that the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students is “the highest on record”.
The affordability gap is one of several of challenges the Labour government faces over higher education.
Affordability of London
One possible consequence of the rise in living costs is a reduction in student intake, as students go elsewhere to study, including abroad.
“We’ve already got a massive problem with brain drain in this country … and more students will just choose to study abroad.” remarked Walsworth. Although the UK is home to many reputable universities and polytechnics, the rise in the overall cost of tuition poses a challenge to all those future students thinking about entering higher education in London.
However, many aspects of London’s recreational and cultural scene remain a major pull factor. A variety of the artistic institutions that London boasts do accommodate for students and their tight budgets.
Walsworth said of the fairly priced exhibitions and museums “I think its something that London does really well”. Labour’s recently announced budget has raised the bus cap to £3, however the price cap for a single London bus fare has remained. For many this means that London bus transport will remain affordable for some time.
Bridget Phillipson announced in Parliament that student tuition fees would be raised for students in the 2025/26 academic year (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Despite the growing costs attributed to living in London, Walsworth remained optimistic that students could benefit from the unique character of London. He stated “All these places are inspiring to someone young to see, these great pieces of art or great buildings that have been made. Its inspiring as someone to think that’s a level I could reach one day”.
The Education secretary recognized the importance of providing lower fees for some students, and announced a lower limit to fees paid by those in their foundation year of higher education.
For the many students who are supporting their studies through part-time work, the pay rise of up to £10 for those aged between 18 and 20 may come as welcome news.
As Kier Starmer’s government is now past its early days in power, it has so far shown that it has had to retrace its steps.
Labour previously flirted with scrapping tuition fees, but after yesterday’s announcement that seems like a long time ago.
