University students across the UK are forgoing home cooking in favour of food delivery apps, with some spending an eye-watering £500 per month on takeaways, according to a startling new study.
The research, commissioned by NUS Cards, paints a worrying picture of student finances, revealing that the average scholar now spends £128 monthly on delivery services like Just Eat and Deliveroo. This figure represents a significant portion of their already stretched budgets.
A Reliance on Convenience
Convenience appears to be the driving force behind this trend. A significant 47% of the 1,000 students surveyed admitted they simply "can't be bothered" to cook after a long day of lectures and studying. This reliance on instant gratification is creating a substantial financial drain.
One anonymous student confessed, "I spend about £400-£500 a month on takeaways. I know it's bad, but I'm just so tired and stressed with my course."
The True Cost of a Takeaway Habit
Beyond the immediate financial impact, this habit has other consequences. Over a third (36%) of students reported feeling guilty about their spending, while 32% admitted it has negatively affected their physical health. Furthermore, 27% said it has taken a toll on their mental wellbeing.
The study also found that students are ordering in an average of three times a week, with nearly a fifth (18%) indulging four to six times weekly.
Beyond Just Laziness: The Underlying Issues
While laziness is a factor, the research suggests deeper issues are at play. The soaring cost of living is a critical driver. Many students reported that by the time they purchase individual ingredients, the cost is comparable to, or even exceeds, that of a ready-made meal from a discount supermarket or a cheap takeaway deal.
This creates a vicious cycle where students feel priced out of cooking nutritious meals at home, forcing them towards more expensive, less healthy convenience options.
Tom Allingham, from Save the Student, commented on the findings, stating, "This research highlights the difficult trade-offs students are being forced to make in the face of the cost-of-living crisis."
