Over half of students have missed meals to fund college

College, for many people, can be financially very difficult.

Between paying for rent, the cost of living and student fees, there are many struggles young people face when studying for their degree. The Union of Students in Ireland put together a survey following government proposals to raise student registration fees by €1000. According to the survey, 58% of people of students miss meals to stay in college. More than a third of students said they go hungry and a further 1 in 4 said they go to their Students’ Union, Saint Vincent de Paul or a food bank for food. A paper prepared by officials at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for Minister Pascal Donohue said the increase of €1,000 in registration fees would be insufficient to solve the funding gap in third level education, and an even greater increase is needed. USI President Kevin Donoghue called the proposal ludicrous. “It’s no surprise that the paper given to the minister suggests that the increase isn’t a solution to the funding crisis. Our research shows that more than half of students miss meals - they’re literally going hungry - so an increase of €1,000 annually will only worsen the situation." He explained "Any government that proposes raising costs in an area already crippled by cuts and high expenses is deluded and out of touch with the public. This suggested increase will deter young people from applying to college, which is already unaffordable for so many.” Donoghue said. Over 40% of those surveyed said that they use student grants to pay for college and 27% of people said that their parents support them financially.