By Pia Bobeff and Mia Butautyte
We’ve all seen the words “cost of living crisis” glaring back at us every time we tune into the news. We’ve all definitely felt it each time we make a purchase, whether it be refueling the car or trying to buy a snack from DailyMart on the way to class. What is lesser known, is how this crisis has affected the lives of every student on campus, influencing anything from the price of your daily morning coffee to the cost of your accommodation.
A University of Melbourne study called Life Patterns has shown a steady increase in “entertainment expenses, rent or mortgage payments, household bills, food, health care, study costs, and childcare costs” for university students over the last few years. According to this study, the greatest increase has been seen in rent and mortgage, as well as in entertainment.
Observer conducted a survey regarding the cost of living crisis experienced by ANU students, which found that a vast majority of students who completed the survey were employed and working to support themselves while also studying full or part-time.
The survey also revealed that while the cost of living crisis impacts everyday essential costs, expenses associated with physical and mental wellbeing have also increased significantly. Students report having to give up gym memberships to afford food, and move in with their parents because they can no longer afford rent. While this does not directly influence mental health, many young adults value independence, and relying on parents can cause long-term mental health issues and struggles in achieving an independent future.
In addition to health and wellbeing, students reported to Observer an increase in basic expenses such as accommodation, food, and medical expenses. An anonymous ANU student has shared that they have to “budget [their] groceries at $50 a week just to afford what medications [they] can”, while other students share a catch-22 situation where travelling further often means lower prices, yet travelling further is more expensive with the rising petrol and public transport prices.
This leads to another issue: time.
Students are left with less time to study, not only because they have to travel further, but also due to their need to work throughout their studies. A student reported that they are “working two jobs on top of full-time study and even then, [they are] struggling to sort out the basics”, claiming that this “drains [their] energy and ruins [their] mental health”. They pointed out that despite the two jobs, they are unable to afford “convenient services to ease that stress”. Students shared with Observer a fear of “increasing rent prices”, a “tuition fee hike”, and being “able to [ever] own a home”, describing the current financial situation as “just an endless loop”.
Whilst there is a lot of uncertainty and stress surrounding how to possibly afford food and groceries on top of accommodation, ANUSA’s Welfare Officer Leila Clarke is committed to reassuring university students that this cost of living crisis is something the students’ association takes “seriously”, which is reflected in the growth of their initiatives.
In response to increased concerns over food security, ANUSA has grown their food relief programs to allow more students to access free groceries. Their Student Bites program provides students with a free bag of groceries each week, and the Union Pantry has been expanded to feed 200 students a week. These initiatives are formed to help students feel as though they no longer need to severely limit their grocery budget so that they can afford other necessities. Clarke attributes the increase in university funding for the Union Pantry to ANUSA’s advocacy, with their 2025 Cost of Living Report highlighting “the scale of financial challenges facing students”.
ANUSA also offer free breakfasts every Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 10:30am during the teaching period at the BKSS, located at Level 2 of the Di Riddel Student Centre in Kambri.
A Students’ Assistance Grant is also provided by ANUSA which offers up to $750 per student to help students facing financial hardships. Clarke says it can be used “for a range of expenses” including accommodation and other-short term living costs. The grant aims to provide security in cases of unforeseen emergency expenses or to simply ease the burden of day-to-day purchases.
“While these measures provide important relief, the cost of living crisis is just going to get worse and ongoing action is needed to address the broader affordability challenges facing students”, Clarke stated.
Initiatives like the Union Pantry and Student Bites demonstrate action by students, for students, with tangible impacts. But with the worsening crisis, more questions emerge.
What more can be done, and whose responsibility is it?
Graphics by Anushkaa Ahuja
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