Research from Save the Student has revealed the number of students involved in adult work has doubled in just two years as maintenance loans fall short. Thousands of university students around the country are having sex for money and selling their underwear online as they struggle to make ends meet on student loans.
New research has shown that one in 25 students are involved in adult work , including selling intimate pictures, selling their underwear, sugar dating, and having sex for money. Four per cent of undergraduates admitted to trying adult work, compared with two per cent in and three per cent in This means the proportion has doubled in just two years - and could mean as many as 70, undergraduates could now be involved. The survey also showed a further six per cent of students would consider adult work if they needed money in an emergency.
Abbey - whose name has been changed - studies fashion buying in Manchester, and got into adult work in her first year. 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 also offered live chat and webcam chat services. It was a vicious cycle. Selina - whose name has also been changed - recently finished a degree in genetics and used adult work to see her through university.
She said: "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 know I can make more than I would with a grad job. Jake Butler, money expert for Save the Student, said: "The doubling of students involved in adult and sex work over two years is alarming and very concerning. But most parents have no idea and their children are forced to desperate measures just to continue their studies.
Hannah Morrish, 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.
