Student poverty continues to worsen in France, and its consequences are now directly impacting young people's health. Nearly one in two students says they don't have enough to eat regularly. At the same time, 41% say they have already forgone medical care due to lack of money, whether it be consultations, medication, dental care, or psychological support. Rising rents, food prices, and other everyday expenses are forcing some students to make constant trade-offs between their basic needs.
The study also highlights a significant decline in lifestyle habits. More than half of students report not engaging in regular physical activity, often due to a lack of time or financial resources. Many now juggle studies and precarious employment to cover their expenses, at the expense of sleep, nutrition, and their mental well-being. This constant financial pressure also fosters social isolation and withdrawal.
A generation made vulnerable by financial difficulties
The data also shows that 58% of students regularly feel stressed about their financial situation, and nearly one in three experiences symptoms of depression or anxiety. Even more worrying, a majority believe their health has deteriorated since starting their higher education. Housing difficulties also affect them: many young people spend more than half their income on rent, while some forgo adequate heating or cut back on food to cover their bills. Meanwhile, the use of food banks and emergency aid continues to rise in several major university cities.
Faced with this situation, student associations are calling for increased public aid, better access to mental health care, and stricter regulations on housing costs. Several observers believe that this persistent financial insecurity now extends beyond the university setting and constitutes a major public health challenge for the coming years.
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