On the eve of the start of the academic year in September 2024, COP1, a major player in the fight against student precariousness, unveils the second edition of its annual barometer conducted with IFOP on the situation of students in France. This study, the first edition of which was published in September 2023, aims to establish a fine, precise diagnosis of student precariousness in its many facets: food insecurity, financial difficulties, mental health problems and menstrual precariousness. In an economic context still marked by post-pandemic challenges and persistent inflation, this barometer makes it possible not only to assess changes in the situation of students over the course of a year, but also to better calibrate COP1’s actions. By shedding detailed light on the day-to-day realities experienced by young people in training, this survey underlines the importance of targeted, tailored measures to effectively combat precariousness among this particularly vulnerable population.
Here are the main findings:
Food insecurity remains firmly entrenched in the student population in 2024
The results of the latest barometer show that food insecurity remains firmly entrenched in the student population. In 2024, more than a third of young people surveyed said they often or occasionally skipped a meal due to lack of money (36%, stable compared to 2023). This is 7 points higher than the national average (29% in 2023): a significant gap that testifies to a specific problem within this population. This phenomenon particularly concerns students who work alongside their studies (47%) and those in precarious situations supported by the COP1 association (60%). Although university canteens offer a potential solution to food insecurity, only 54% of students use them regularly. There are several reasons for this under-use: geographical distance (23%), excessive queues (17%), and prices deemed too high (13%). The end of the generalization of 1€ meals, a measure introduced during the Covid-19 crisis and now reserved for scholarship holders, may have accentuated these difficulties. Faced with problems
to make ends meet, students are implementing a variety of strategies: this may involve adapting their menus with less expensive recipes (for 58%), reducing portions and quantities (43%), or even turning to food aid (for 18%). As a sign of a slight improvement, the proportion of students indicating that they would limit or forgo food purchases fell slightly between 2023 and 2024, although it remains at a high level (41% vs. 49%).
Persistent mental health problems in the student population, despite a slight improvement in student morale
The Covid crisis has had a heavy impact on the student population, insofar as some young people have been isolated at key moments in their integration into the university curriculum (e.g. in their first year), or have had to reconsider their choice of direction. At the same time, rising prices have forced these young people to make concessions on activities that are generally beneficial to mental well-being at this age: 1 in 2 students has been forced to cut back on entertainment and outings (so many opportunities for socializing and meeting new people). Psychological distress remains higher among students than among French people in general: 41% say they frequently feel lonely, more than double the national average (19% in 2021). In this respect, the issue of student loneliness appears to be a blind spot in public policy. Far from the stereotypical image of loneliness associated with old age, the survey data show that it is, on the contrary, a problem that concerns young people.
What’s more, negative feelings dominate among students: 64% say they feel negative emotions, against 36% positive ones. On the other hand, there has been a slight decline in the negative emotions expressed by students: – 6 points compared to the 2023 survey. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have consulted a psychologist in the past year. Of these, 37% consulted a psychologist through the “santé psy étudiants” scheme, i.e. nearly 9% of the total number of students who would have benefited. Lack of awareness of the scheme is the main reason for non-use (55% were unaware of the initiative). It should also be noted that the proportion of students claiming to be sufficiently informed about psychological assistance is down on 2024, with only 45% claiming to be well informed (compared with 51% in 2024). In addition to extending the scheme to more professionals, more communication work could be done to raise awareness of the scheme.
Menstrual insecurity persists
This survey highlights the specific problems faced by female students. The lack of access to gynecological care is a particular cause for concern: 41% of female students say they have already foregone a consultation. This phenomenon is more pronounced among students in precarious situations, particularly those receiving COP1 services, where the rate rises to 54%. Difficulties in accessing healthcare are probably due in part to financial reasons, but also to the difficulty of obtaining an appointment or the lack of professionals close to home. The survey also revealed that hygiene precariousness remains a major problem. A quarter of female students report that they sometimes lack sanitary protection, a figure that is stable compared to 2024 and higher than that of the French female population as a whole (16%). Students benefiting from COP1 services are particularly affected, with 37% of them concerned. The stagnation of these figures suggests that policies to provide free sanitary protection have not yet had the desired impact. This situation underlines the urgent need to rethink and intensify efforts to effectively combat menstrual insecurity among female students.
Student housing: a persistent, multi-faceted challenge
Accessing and maintaining housing is a major issue for the student population, revealing significant disparities. The quest for a roof over one’s head is fraught with difficulties for 50% of students, 18% of whom report “very significant” difficulties. This problem is exacerbated for those looking to set up on their own, with 25% facing significant obstacles. Beyond initial access, financial management of housing remains a constant challenge. Nearly a third of students (30%) struggle to pay their rent on time, a rate higher than the national average.
Ignorance of assistance: a major obstacle to accessing student rights
The survey highlights a further obstacle in the fight against student insecurity: widespread ignorance of the assistance available. For many students, this lack of information significantly hinders access to their rights. The figures speak for themselves: only 36% of students feel well informed about administrative assistance, and barely 29% about legal aid. Even in areas as crucial as financial aid, less than half of students (47%) feel they have sufficient information. As we have seen, this lack of knowledge also extends to the field of health, with only 45% of students feeling well-informed about psychological aids, a figure down on 2023.
François Legrand’s view: a tense start to the 2024 academic year for students
This latest edition of the IFOP/COP1 barometer paints a worrying picture of the student situation in France. Despite slight progress, precariousness remains omnipresent, affecting food, housing, mental health and hygiene. Although the public authorities are aware of these problems, and there are schemes in place to deal with them, our study reveals a striking paradox: these aids are often ignored and under-utilized. This highlights a crucial problem of access to rights and information. Faced with these challenges, several courses of action emerge: improving communication on existing aid, simplifying access procedures, and considering a more in-depth reform of the student support system. The idea of a universal student income deserves serious consideration to effectively combat this multi-faceted precariousness.
