Students in the UK are being forced to have sex for money and selling their underwear online in a bid to top up their student loans.
Shock new figures suggest that an alarming one in 25 students are involved in 'adult work' with many selling intimate pictures or their underwear.
The activity can even extend to sugar dating, and having sex for money.
The maintenance loan given to students in the UK was found to be short of the average living costs by £267 a month, Save the Student research has revealed.
'Abbey’ studies Fashion Buying in Manchester and got into adult work in her first year, reports StokeonTrentLive .
She said: “My student loan came in and I still couldn’t cover my rent, credit card and overdraft (I don’t receive financial support from my parents). I desperately needed the money, and was just about to start my exams so didn't have time for a ‘proper’ job.
"I sold photos/videos online as this was the easiest way I found of making money quickly. I also offered live chat and webcam chat services.
"I found the whole thing more and more draining and degrading but carried on as I needed the money. It was a vicious cycle.”
Selina's sad story
The survey findings show a further six per cent of students would consider adult work if they needed money in an emergency.
‘Selina’ has just finished a degree in genetics, and used adult work to see her through uni.
She explains: “If I'd taken a normal part time job (retail or bar work), I would have had to work such long hours that it definitely would have affected my grades.
"I started adult work at the end of my first year (selling foot photos on Craigslist), so I've been in it two years and I'm now making sex work my primary income. I know I can make more than I would with a grad job.
“I get the minimum Maintenance Loan because of my dad’s income from running his own company.
"The government expects him to make up the difference, but he has other priorities so is only willing to give me about half of that.”
Stigma
Hannah Morish, a psychotherapist and Higher Education Lead at The Student Room, said: “Adult work can feel isolating because of the stigma attached to it, meaning that if the student has a negative or dangerous experience they might feel unable to talk about it, leading to a deeper sense of loneliness.
"Over time, recurring experiences like this can lead to emotional and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
"Universities and student unions need to review whether they have advice and safe spaces on campus or online to support students who are considering or actively involved in this kind of work. Students can use online spaces, such as The Student Room forums anonymously.”
