Santa brings cheer to students in need

Santa Claus made a surprise visit to the hard-up students of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (QMU) on Monday at 10.30am to bring some much needed festive relief and highlight the issue of student hardship. He will be setting up his grotto in the main reception area of the University and handing out some basic provisions to see the impoverished students of QMU through what will be a grim Christmas break this year.

Santa’s visit came at a time when the Students’ Union are running a campaign with NUS Scotland to highlight student hardship and debt. The campaign involves collecting data to give a clearer picture of not only levels of student debt, but also the extent to which students are struggling to make ends meet while they study.

After paying rent, students have just £8.05 worth of state support to live on each week. Support for both further and higher education students falls far below the Scottish poverty line, forcing many students into spiralling commercial debt or spending many hours in paid employment on top of their study commitments, to the detriment of their education.

James Wilkinson, Students’ Union President, said:

‘Christmas is a particularly difficult time for many students, particularly if they are unable to find seasonal work to help pay for the additional expenses the festive season brings. Presents for family members and good food and relaxation are often a remote dream for some students who spend the holiday period in isolation and poverty, worrying about the final demands for payment on household utility bills and credit card payments.

‘QMU students will be extremely grateful that Santa has chosen to join our campaign against student hardship, and his goody bags will help provide a little relief at a time that is often particularly bleak for many.’

For more information contact: James Wilkinson (President) on 0131 474 0000 or John Baxter (Vice President) vicepresident@qmu.ac.uk or Michaela Woodhouse-Welfare and Support Coordinator mwoodhouse@qmu.ac.uk