“This year I’m not buying any presents – I’ve had to ask my parents for a bit of help and so we are giving gifts as a family instead.”
International student, Giorgia, is just one of many students facing cutbacks this Christmas.
Christmas is always an expensive time of the year, but the cost-of-living crisis is making Christmas even more of a struggle for students this season; presents are more expensive, and budgets are lower.
The average student, that has the time for a job, makes between £7.49 – £10.18 per hour (according to the gov website for ages 18-22.) A social media post has begun circulating, reminding people that if someone spends £20 on you this Christmas, with the average wage – they are working roughly 2.5 hours just to get you that present.
Some students are trying to make Christmas special despite their budget. Bobola, Welfare & Diversity Officer for University of Gloucestershire said, “this Christmas, my focus is on planning ahead and making mindful choices…it’s essential to find a balance that ensures a memorable holiday season without exceeding financial limits.” Students at the Uni have said they are limiting themselves to only buying one present per person, only buying for immediate family, doing Secret Santa so they have less people to buy for, or have implemented a spending limit.
Others have resorted to hand-making presents, with crochet and other crafts coming back into fashion again, this alternative is cheaper but can be more time-consuming. Libby, a student from Birmingham, recently began crocheting and this year she has begun to make tote bags to give as gifts. “By making the presents myself, I’m saving money, but crochet also relieves the stress of exams.”
First year students at Cheltenham campus, also said that they are saving more money by eating out less, “If I spend less money on eating in the refectory, I get to afford other stuff – like going out and enjoying the festivities.”
