Parents' £3,500 bill for student 'essentials'

Published on Wednesday 1 September 2010 14:08

First year students need £3,500 of "essential" kit including a laptop and smartphone before embarking on their university career, according to new research.

The study reveals that parents and grandparents are often forced to pay for the expensive goods to ensure freshers are prepared to begin their degrees this month.

Gone are the days when a few pots, pans and textbooks were all new undergraduates needed, according to the report by an education technology firm.

It claims the new costs include essentials such as broadband access and printers.

The study by technology website eXpansys comes as students are struggling with financial hardship and a shortage of part-time work caused by the economic downturn.

Anthony Catterson, eXpansys chief executive, said: "Clearly, the lives and associated costs for the average university student have changed dramatically in the last ten years.

"In 2010 a laptop and a smartphone capable of accessing the internet and social media are no longer seen as luxuries - they are considered essential student kit; as essential as stationary, pots, pans and bedding.

"The cost of going to university is huge for any student and, for many of them, would simply not be possible without the help of their parents and grandparents, who often fund the essentials before they finally leave home for their new life of independence and study."

The study refers to this generation of students as "igrads" because of the need for gadgets and reveals the top two pieces of equipment needed are a laptop computer and a smartphone, such as a BlackBerry, which together cost 900.

On top of that, internet access, a mobile phone contract and accessories such as cables and printers are also necessary.

A major report on student financial hardship, the largest survey of students carried out in Scotland, will be published next week by the National Union of Students Scotland.

Liam Burns, NUS Scotland president, said: "It's clear that the costs of studying in Scotland have increased hugely over the last few years.

"The levels of financial help in loans and grants have not kept up, and the result is that very large numbers of students are now struggling to get by.

"While I'm not sure that technical equipment is the main problem, we do know that being a student has got much more expensive over the last ten years."

The "Still In the Red" survey will reveal high levels of commercial debt and dependence on family and friends for loans.

It is also expected to reveal that nearly two thirds struggled to find work over the summer holidays, sparking fears of soaring drop-out rates next year.

Many in the sector have called for a full independent report on higher education funding, including student support.