Lausanne students skip meals as living costs rise

Many students at the University of Lausanne are going without food, hygiene products or medical treatment because of financial pressures, SRF reported, citing a survey of more than 2,500 students by the umbrella organisation of the university’s student groups.

More than one-third of respondents said they had already gone without food or hygiene products. More than one-quarter had forgone medical care because of the cost, while nearly two-thirds were saving on leisure activities.

The findings suggest that limited finances are directly restricting students’ access to basic needs. The full survey results are due to be published in November.

Charlotte and Filipe, who study social sciences and political science, told French-speaking Swiss broadcaster RTS that rising expenses were increasing financial pressure.

“The food budget is quite high, and inflation is making things increasingly difficult,” Charlotte said. “Then there is the apartment, internet costs and public transport. You think twice before going out.”

For Filipe, rent is the main burden. To save money, he sometimes skips meals. “I tend to eat in the evening. Sometimes I skip lunch,” he said.

Nearly half of those surveyed said an unexpected bill of 500 Swiss francs would put them in financial difficulty. Almost two-thirds would be unable to pay an additional bill of 1,000 Swiss francs.

The University of Lausanne’s social counselling service is already seeing the impact. It received around 400 applications for financial support before the start of the new semester.

The university expanded its support services last year, adding social counselling to existing scholarships and financial assistance. It also plans to offer workshops on budgeting and managing personal finances.