Students across the West Midlands are struggling to engage in their learning. A survey of University College Birmingham students found that students were skipping meals to travel to study, and missing out on class because they simply couldn’t afford to get to their classrooms.

Students are reaching breaking point. A survey carried out by the National Union of Students found that 92% of students say the cost of living crisis affecting their mental health, but only 1 in 5 has had government help. 

We’re doing what we can to help as Students’ Unions. We’re working with our universities and colleges to providing breakfast in the mornings, a warm building to study and see friends in, and food parcels to get students through the week. But if they can’t even get on campus in the first place, how can they access these support services let alone their learning? We’re not just being priced out of our education – we’re being priced out of a future. 

That’s why University College Birmingham, and our sister Unions across the West Midlands, are asking for immediate help right now, by providing 6 months’ free travel across the West Midlands for all students.

This is a petition by students' unions in the West Midlands, hosted by NUS.