The mental health of 92% of students is being adversely affected by the cost of living crisis, according to a cross border students union body.

Many are living on £29 a week after rent and high transport costs mean some are choosing between going to class and heating their homes.

These were some of the issues highlighted at the launch of the Cost of Survival campaign by the National Union of Students – Union of Students in Ireland (NUS-USI) in Derry this week .

The campaign is centred on three key initiatives to help combat rising costs on those in Further and Higher Education

• A cost of living payment for students in both higher and further education,
• A rent freeze on accommodation both private and purpose built
• Free public transport for students

NUS-USI President Chloe Ferguson told the gathering in Holywell Trust that a recent survey of students found that many are living in poverty. 

She said that student incomes haven’t increased since 2010, with loans and grants remaining the same despite the rising cost of rent, transport, heating and utilities.

She urged students to make their concerns known saying “When we stay quiet, we make our struggles personal, when really they are political.”

Donall Hearty, Vice President of the Student Union at Magee Campus quoted from an NUS-USI research project which found that 92% for students surveyed said their mental health was adversely impacted by the cost of living crisis. He said that in some cases 81% of the maximum student grant was being swallowed up by rent.

“Barriers are being put in front of education. People are being forced to choose between education and survival,” he said.

This was echoed by Grace Boyle, President of UU Students Union who said that after rent students could be left with just £29 a week to live on.

She also referenced the NUS-USI research project and highlighted that 17% of students surveyed said existing health conditions were exacerbated by their poor living conditions.

Ms Boyle said additional students coming to the Magee Campus for new health related courses had created an accommodation shortage and pushed up rents.

“What I would say to students is to get angry and be proactive and loud,” she said.

The campaign launch was attended by a number of political representatives including Cllr Maeve O’Neill, from People Before Profit who urged immediate action.

“It is time for direct, organised action,” she said.

NUS-USI is meeting with the DUP Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons this week to discuss the campaign.