THE time students spend in part-time work has increased on average by 154 per cent according to the NatWest Student Living Index.

The survey, which seeks to identify the most affordable places for students to live, found that the average student works 46.39 hours per month, up from 18.3 hours per month in 2023.

6,186 students were surveyed, and a range of factors were considered, including the time students spend going out, rent, and bills.

Among the other findings, the Index suggests that household bills are currently the second biggest spend for students, overtaking supermarket spending.

Household bills have increased by 358 per cent, costing students on average £157.78 per month, up from £34.48 per month in the previous academic year.

More than half of students (52 per cent) have found themselves running out of money by the end of term, up from 46 per cent in 2023, while only one fifth are confident in their ability to manage money.

However, 81 per cent of students take steps to budget their finances.

The most common cuts made over the last academic year include online shopping (59 per cent), nights out (55 per cent), number of meals eaten each day (38 per cent), and cancelling subscriptions (22 per cent).

The most popular activity, which 61 per cent of students do at least once per fortnight, is having a night in without alcohol.