Students struggle to survive due to education costs

Almost nine out of 10 students fear having to drop out of college due to the cost of education. A substantial number also revealed they continued their part-time jobs leading into and during their exams.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said a survey of around 870 students showed almost three-quarters actively thought about quitting college because of the costs.

About the same high number admitted having to continue to work during the exams’ period. A total of 63% said they had been forced to miss lectures because of work commitments, while over 67% said working had negatively affected their academic success.