Limerick Voice recently carried out a survey across the University of Limerick campus, revealing students financial troubles and whether or not they can afford a weekly night out.
According to the findings, 86% of respondents said they could not afford to attend an event, activity, or night out once a week. “I thought it would be different,” said one first-year student outside the Glucksman Library.
The traditional perception of university life includes parties, freedom, and a carefree social scene, but this does not reflect the reality for many UL students today. Interviews with students across various courses and years highlight a generation feeling the financial strain more sharply than expected.
The questions were put to 50 students from a mix of courses, years, and campus locations.
“By the time you even reach the bar, you’ve spent €30 or €40 on taxis or public transport, drinks, entry tickets, and everything else,” said one Bachelor of Arts student. His sentiment was echoed repeatedly throughout the survey. “It’s a joke, because you know if you’re going out, you’re not just paying for drinks, it’s food, taxis, clothes. There’d be a hole burning in your pocket,” said another.
The survey also asked students how they fund their time in college. 62% of respondents reported being in employment, while 88% said they received financial support from their parents.
Interestingly, a higher percentage of non-working students said they could afford a weekly activity or night out compared to those who work. “I personally live at home, I don’t have to work, and every weekend I make sure to play some padel or go climbing,” said one student outside the new UL Student Centre.
Others shared a different reality. “How can I go out?” one student asked. “I have rent to pay, work to attend, and I’m already struggling with college work.”
The UL student calendar is packed with events such as College Christmas and Dog’s Night, intended to give students a chance to relax and enjoy university life. Yet 15% of respondents said they felt they couldn’t afford to attend these events, but went anyway due to fear of missing out.
“Sometimes after a big night out it’ll be a few days of pot noodles, but hey, sometimes it’s worth it,” said one student.