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Survey Finds Student Hardship Entrenched in France as Nearly Half Live on Under €100 a Month

A new Ifop report for Cop1 shows budgets squeezed by housing costs, leaving aid groups overstretched.

Overview

  • Cop1/Ifop’s latest barometer reports that after paying rent and charges nearly half of students have less than €100 left each month, confirming no improvement from recent years.
  • Food insecurity remains widespread, with 34% saying they have skipped meals for lack of money and 16% reporting they have used food assistance in 2025.
  • Housing pressures drive the squeeze, as 47% report difficulties finding accommodation and 40% say they have already gone without heating for financial reasons.
  • Cop1 says demand outstrips capacity across its 28 branches, and an INJEP researcher warns official figures likely understate need because many do not seek help.
  • In response, Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université and the Crous are offering a week of free meals at university restaurants, with officials citing 20,000 meals served in 2024 and 100,000 since the program began.