Chrysalis^® News

A Scottish university is offering counselling courses for students who struggle to deal with money-related stress.

According to an article in The Press and Journal, Royal Gordon University in Aberdeen has started to offer counselling services as growing numbers of students find themselves under severe financial pressure.

The Press and Journal report cites the findings of a survey entitled 'Still in the Red,' which reveal that 62% of Scottish students admitted that a lack of money was having a negative impact on their studies. 

61% of the 7,400 students questioned claim to worry frequently or constantly about their finances, while 68% are working overtime to keep their heads above water. In addition, the survey found that 36% of students had considered dropping out of university due to financial concerns.

Both of Aberdeen's universities have recognised the financial difficulties faced by their students, and have started to offer a number of services to help them deal with the problem.

Royal Gordon University's (RGU) student president, Ryan Maclean, told The Press and Journal: "In RGU and in the student association we offer independent advice for students."

"We do our upmost [sic] to help students get jobs while they are at university and we have a counselling service for those struggling to cope. We want our students to stay at university and it is really important important for us that they enjoy their time at university," Mr Maclean added.