Universities in England and Wales must be mindful of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on students, according to the sectors’ complaints ombudsman.
In new guidance for institutions, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) says it is “important not to underestimate the impact that financial hardship can have, especially on those who are already disadvantaged or vulnerable” and that, in some cases, “students’ well-being and mental health may be significantly affected”.
Universities must respond to this, says the OIA, which notes that “more students than ever are likely to have to work part-time to help fund their studies”.
