Staff writer Isabella Steiner explores the economic disparity in the King’s student body.
King’s has prided itself on being a prestigious institution characterised by innovative research with over 250,000 alumni worldwide and a diverse pool of students. Yet, behind its identity, the economic divide between the student body remains shadowed.
Two students went through the same process to be able to attend King’s College London (KCL): submit a personal statement, score the required grades, and yet, they attend the institution differently. One wears designer clothing, accessories and a bag, whilst the other has no option but to walk around in the same 4-year-old shoes until they fall apart.
According to a report conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute, rising prices in London have made it nearly impossible to live comfortably in the city without parental or state support. For home students, the maximum student loan for the academic year 2025/2026 (£13,348) is less than the average rent cost (£13,595).
Additionally, the announcement of a rise in tuition fees poses the question
of the future financial manageability of receiving a higher education in England for future generations.
Such changes would undoubtedly impact the student experience. Roar spoke to KCL students about their experiences. One revealed they have to work 30-35 hours at a late license bar to pay their rent, getting home at 4 am.
“I think the need for me to earn money has completely ruined my university experience”
Another student also emphasised the difficulty of landing a job without the requirement of working a substantial number of hours. Many workplaces prioritise those with flexibility rather than students who have to juggle their studies.
“The job they gave me was 40-50 hours a week, but didn’t specify how many hours until afterwards so I was forced to resign.”
Students are forced to take on jobs while being a full-time student to financially sustain themselves, impacting their university experiences.
“The business pressures you into all or nothing.” – KCL student
A Student Body Torn Between Necessity and Choice
Job hunting and working part-time to support oneself as students might be prevalent, but not applicable to the entirety of the student cohort.
A second-year student from Dubai told Roar he is “wealthy enough not to worry about money, but not enough not to care about it,”. He further explained that he took on part-time jobs for the experience, but that it was not necessary to support himself.
The image of international students being in a better financial position than home students is quite prominent. “There are a lot of international students who walk around entirely dressed in designer brands, which many other students cannot afford.” Another remarked, “international students walking around with their £6k Bottega bags“
When inquired about any signs of a strong socio-economic divide on campus, another student added, “I realised there was a big divide when my friends frequently walk places to avoid paying TFL fares, and I can get the bus/tube without worrying about it.”
Others claim that the divide is clear through daily student conversations about casually engaging in certain activities, such as ski trips or receiving work experience through family contacts.
A student claimed there is “ignorance toward having part-time jobs and judgment for what clothes and laptops people use, particularly in law school, where the students are wealthy and international.”
Yet beneath the surface, the widespread notion of international students being excessively wealthy is not universally applicable.
“I feel there is a distorted vision of international students as millionaires. While that might be true in some cases, many are here through grants, scholarships, and sponsors.”
Other international students shared the emotional and psychological pressure they feel to excel academically, as their parents are supporting their education through their savings and retirement funds.
Despite home students being more vocal about financial struggles, there are limitations imposed on international students in the UK which can pass unnoticed. With a maximum of 20 working hours allowed during term time, certain students who need more money are not able to work even if they wish to.
It is also difficult to acquire private rental without British citizenship, as landlords require tenants to have a British guarantor. Oftentimes, if they can receive private housing, it is under the condition of providing six months of rent in advance. Unlike home students, international students are unable to access any public funds, such as loans or housing support.
The Relationship between Economic Struggle and Sense of Belonging
Socio-economic differences tend to strongly impact student life outside of lectures and seminars. With over 300 societies managed by King’s College Student Union (KCLSU), there are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the social sphere while studying.
King’s offers an array of societies to connect with others and deepen one’s interest beyond academics. Yet, their presence does not immediately equal student involvement or fair opportunity.
Joining sports societies particularly causes financial pressure, especially with the need to purchase additional materials. An anonymous source revealed that they joined the cheerleading society during the first year, which required them to purchase £120 uniforms.
“Despite me saying multiple times I couldn’t afford this, they said that they’d ordered one anyway, so I needed to pay up” The student shared the influence of this experience on their mental health.“I felt ashamed and embarrassed and did not go back.”
Other students struggle with maintaining friendships while living in non-KCL accommodation, which serves as a cheaper alternative. “I can’t have sleepovers,” stressed the student who lives in charity housing. “My accom is not as nice so people rarely come over. There’s also not just students, so my friends feel weird when an older person comes into my kitchen.”
Whether there is collective awareness of the struggle of students on campus, 73.5% of students surveyed by Roar believe that there is a clear divide among students from distinct socioeconomic backgrounds. Others have reported classism, feelings of isolation and a lack of understanding toward those struggling financially.
“I find myself very much ‘outside’ of the social circles”, shared a student juggling two jobs and academics. “A large proportion of students at King’s do not have the same experience as myself. And if there is, I am yet to meet them.”
What This Means For the Future of UK Universities
As the costs of student life proliferate, UK universities might face a decrease in their annual enrolment intake. The latest report released by the Higher Education Policy Institute suggests that 72% of English universities will be in deficit by the end of the 2025 academic year.
With just the recent announcement of domestic tuition fees increasing from 2026 onwards, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in England might cost approximately £10,000. This annual rise, directed by inflation, will also be expected to command a rise in UK maintenance loans; However, funded by a 6% levy on international students’ tuition fees.
“Please up the Living Bursary – this was what kept me able to live in my first year of my first term as Residences took my entire first Student Maintenance payment and I was left with a few hundred left for three months of food and travel,” shared a KCL student, highlighting the struggle many face to cover their daily expenses.
With rising inflation, an impenetrable housing crisis and limited financial aid, it is clear that the Russell Group institutions long desired might not just be inaccessible but forgotten in foreseeable years.
