With the continuous escalation of rents in the UK, many students find it challenging to cover the exorbitant costs of accommodation. Chapoton emphasizes that the size of student loans should reflect current rent levels to ensure students have sufficient funds to cover housing expenses.
Currently, students often need to start paying rent in July but only receive their student loans in October, forcing them to bear the financial burden during this period.
Chapoton's proposed solutions include having student loans grow like pensions or adjusting them based on the regional rent increases in each city. Such adjustments could more equitably meet students' living expenses, especially in cities experiencing rising rents.
She believes that in addition to increasing the size of student loans, more flexible repayment options should be considered when students start repaying. If students find it challenging to repay loans before securing stable income, the government should swiftly suspend repayments. Such policies can alleviate students' financial stress and help them better adapt to society.
Furthermore, Chapoton stresses that the government and financial institutions should provide more guidance when students apply for substantial student loans, helping them better understand the risks and impacts of the loans. This would assist students in making more informed decisions, considering the long-term effects of loans.
Finally, Chapoton emphasizes that the pressure is greatest for students from low-income families, as they rely more on student loans to sustain their lives. Students at renowned universities such as the University of York, the University of Bristol, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Manchester are particularly affected by the soaring rents in the UK. The government should pay more attention to this group, providing additional financial support to ensure that all students can successfully complete their studies.