Despite a decrease in inflation (below 2% in August), students in Nice must face an increase in the cost of university life. FACE 06 warns of an alarming situation marked by rising expenses and growing precariousness.
The 2024 university year is shaping up to be one of the most difficult for students in Nice. The Federation of Student Associations and Corporations of the Alpes-Maritimes (FACE 06), the leading youth organization in the department, presents a worrying picture. According to their latest report released today, the cost of the start of the academic year reaches 3,391.72 euros, marking a 1.36% increase compared to the previous year. A colossal figure for young people struggling to make ends meet.
Lucas Bonfils, president of FACE 06, raises the alarm: “We have long highlighted student precariousness, but it is not being addressed. Enrollment fees are reaching new heights, rental charges are increasing, even though these amounts could be frozen. Students cannot continue to bear these increases.”
Inevitable Expenses
The calculation of the cost of the academic year by FACE 06 is based on a typical non-scholarship student, living alone, and receiving no external financial aid. This methodological choice aims to provide a realistic overview of the expenses faced by those who do not have access to aid. Although some expenses like social security or CVEC are fixed at the national level, the cost of daily life varies by region. In Nice, this variation results in a surge in prices, exacerbated by some of the highest rents in France.
Housing is indeed the main source of expense for students in Nice. In this city where the average rent is 664 euros, living alone is a real challenge. This rental burden, combined with the general increase in the cost of living, significantly strains the students’ budgets. “We fought for the freezing of rents, but this year, rental charges have exploded, creating an additional cost for students“, explains Lucas Bonfils.
The Pressure of Daily Life
Besides housing-related expenses, FACE 06 highlights a significant increase in costs related to leisure, culture, and sports activities. “The monthly budget for outings, sports, culture, has increased by more than 21%. Students are not only there to study. With failing mental health and a tense context, it’s crucial that they can access culture and leisure to thrive“, highlights Lucas Bonfils.
This access to culture, essential for the youths’ balance, becomes increasingly difficult as costs rise. FACE 06 calls for a true cultural access policy for students, a demand supported by many associations but that struggles to resonate with public authorities.
Insufficient Solutions
In light of this critical situation, FACE 06 does not just state the facts. The association offers concrete solutions to lighten the financial burden on students. Among the initiatives implemented are solidarity grocery stores, open starting in October, where students can purchase products at unbeatable prices. “We have two solidarity groceries in Nice where products are priced at less than 85% of the market price“, clarifies Lucas Bonfils.
Moreover, a solidarity restaurant offers free meals twice a week to students. These initiatives, although valuable, are not enough to curb the growing precariousness. FACE 06 continues to advocate for structural measures, including a freeze on rental charges and a reform of scholarships. “It is essential to reevaluate the higher education budget, rethink access to culture, and finally address the urgent needs for CROUS housing“, insists Lucas Bonfils.
