Rising costs of living continues to impact local students

IT IS as tough world out there.

For businesses keeping their doors open and customers coming through after 262 days of lockdowns, it has been difficult.

For employees balancing the rising costs of living, interest rate rises, and job insecurity mixed with wages not keeping pace is beyond daunting.

And then there are students – often unable to work due to full time studies and balancing rising petrol prices and food costs against textbooks and course fees.

For one Wonthaggi student, who wished to remain anonymous, the struggle is harder than many comprehend.

“Everyone is in the same position,” they began.

“We are living with mum and dad because we can’t afford to rent a house on one wage. It’s not possible to work outside of my studies.”

Now finishing their first year of a two-year degree, what started as part-time studying allowing them to work part time quickly eventuated to full time studying, when the university decided they were no longer flexible nor offering part-time studying during the first semester.

“I had to go to full time, which meant that I would need to be driving to Melbourne and working four days a week – they don’t match, you can’t work and drive to Melbourne at the same time.

“I receive some Austudy but it’s still not enough. We might be able to afford rent, but you need to be able to afford to feed yourself, pay power and water bills and still drive the car to uni; and food prices are going through the roof.”

Like others in their shoes there is little room left after cuts were already made during COVID times.

“We have to be careful about where we go, petrol prices are quite high. You’re making those decisions of what you can and can’t do. You might go to a family event and then not do something else or not go to the family event because you can’t afford to…

“I have to drive to university; I don’t have a choice if we have to be in class. I only have 12 months left, but for 12 months it’s going to make life quite tricky.

“All of my subjects for next year I need to attend, that’s a little daunting when you think about the fuel prices and the food prices, and how to make it work.

“It would be great if I could use public transport, but usually the times don’t match up for the bus.

“I don’t know how people can afford to live and study; and I’m doing it, but it is quite difficult.”

Highlighting the rising costs of food, they pointed out the vast contrast between eating healthy and junk.

“It’s actually more expensive to buy healthy food than it is to buy junk food; that’s another thing that I can see affecting the population in the future.

“One government was saying that they’re going to provide lunches for students. It could be good, but what’s the cost of that to the society that’s paying for it and it’s not going to be easy for kids out there that have dietary requirements or special needs for their foods.”

As for taking up a part-time job during the Christmas break, they’ve made the tough decision not to work.

“It would cut (my allowances) and I would have to reapply – it’s a logistical nightmare, and I wouldn’t be earning enough to help out.

“Though I would love a job if I started somewhere I would want to make the commitment to someone and (not dictate when I could work).

“Also, with uni I don’t get to spend a lot of time with the kids – so it’s kind of our time together.

“It’s hard to switch off – when my brain has finally turned off and then I have to turn it back on again to start uni.”

As for the solution…

“I’m really not sure what the solution is… it’s difficult.”