Skipping meals, going to lectures hungry and sofa surfing are common issues for students at University College Cork
The Students Union Cost of Living Report demonstrates the extent of student poverty and highlights accommodation and food insecurity as the biggest hardships they face
The report highlights how financial pressures mean students are missing out on key elements of the college experience
UCC Student's Union President Katie Halpin-Hill says students have had to cut back on essential items to meet rising costs
"The financial pressures have resulted in students cutting back on essential items such as food by 27% It's really stark figures, and it just reflects what we've been hearing on the ground from students for the last number of years. We're looking at about 29% of students, cutting back on health care, 27% again on food and an additional 10% of students, cutting back on sanitary products. So really essential items"
