There could be a rise in the uptake of student influencers this term, as more young people might be looking for ways to make money amidst the financial crisis, with one-third concerned about the high cost of living.
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) revealed the findings, as part of its 2022 Student Academic Experience Survey, which found 34 of those at university who are not recognised as disabled are worried about rising expenses. This figure rises to 42 per cent for those who are disabled.
When it came to which expenses they were most concerned about, over half (52 per cent) said the cost of living, in comparison with just under a quarter (23 per cent) who stated the cost of tuition fees.
Director of HEPI Nick Hillman recognised: “It is a tough time to be a student, with cost-of-living rises, mental health challenges and worries about the future.”
This could be a good reason for students to embark on the world of influencing, whether by giving an online shout-out to different brand, or receiving payment or free products for their ads.
Students can connect with businesses more easily these days through online platforms such as Unitask, providing freelance work to help them pay the bills.
While micro- and macro-influencers need between 1,000 and one million followers on social media, the landscape is changing, and nano-influencers only need a small number, meaning this could be an opportunity for lots of people at uni.
This could be even more tempting, as students in the UK typically finish their courses with £45,000 worth of debt.
