A dear green place? Not for Glasgow's students

Published on Sunday 2 August 2009 22:46

GLASGOW is one of the most cost-effective places in Britain to study at university, according to the latest survey of student finance.

A higher proportion of students in the city have a part-time job during term time and work longer hours than those at other university towns across the country.

And with the relatively low living costs, Glasgow is rated third in Britain for students trying to make the most of their meagre funds.

Edinburgh was placed tenth in the list while Dundee came 17th in the NatWest Student Living Index 2009.

Brighton was named top of the index, with hard-working students there the most successful at reducing the debts accrued while at university by finding part-time jobs to earn extra cash.

The report says they are earning on average 3,848.70 per academic year – the equivalent of 128.29 per week and twice as much as their counterparts studying at York University.

Forty per cent of Brighton students are now earning more than 9 an hour during term time, with almost a third of students putting in more than 20 hours a week.

At the other end of the scale, the average student in York makes just 64.14 from term-time employment – the lowest amount of all the 20 university towns and cities surveyed.

The report, which surveyed 2,000 students, also reveals a spirit of optimism and resilience among the nation's student population.

Sixty-five per cent of students – just 3 per cent down on last year – are still confident of landing a job within their first year of graduation.

Students also continue to pursue their favoured career as opposed to one offering high rewards and job security. Of the students sampled, 63 per cent still cite a passion for their chosen career as the prime motivating factor when applying for jobs, with only 10 per cent considering job security.

The research shows that the average Brighton student spends 220.38 per week on living and housing costs, but manages to offset these costs in part, with weekly earnings of 128.29 from part-time work.

Phil Cook, head of NatWest student and graduate banking, said: "This year's Student Living Index clearly demonstrates the amazing resilience and personal confidence of the country's student population.

"Our research shows students in Brighton are being particularly resourceful in taking pro-active steps to manage their finances by taking on part-time work.

"What is also interesting is that this is not stopping them from spending – showing how well-run personal finances can liberate students to enjoy a happy and balanced lifestyle."

The research reveals that, in total, British students will spend more than 362 million in housing and living costs over the coming academic year. The city offering lowest weekly living costs is Birmingham at 171.14, whilst Oxford students have the highest at 238.38 per week.

University students in Glasgow have the most students in part-time work (60 per cent) and also work the highest average number of hours per week in their part-time job (17.15).

Newcastle has the fewest students in work (22 per cent), whilst Manchester students spend the fewest hours studying per week (16.11).