Title: Poverty and Higher Education: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Financially Struggling Students at the University of Rajshahi
Authors: Md. Mahbubul Alam, Md. Yeasir Arafat, Nazmul Hasan Raz, Shammi Islam
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 101-107
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
This study captures the lived experiences of financially struggling students at the University of Rajshahi and describes how poverty affects their academic, psychological, and social well-being. Data was collected employing a structured questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions using a mixed-method approach. Thus, this study will look at how money problems affect learning, not having enough to eat, availability of scholarships, feeling left out, mental health state and ways of dealing among students who are in a money crisis. Results show that most of the students face moderate to severe financial stress which breaks their focus and involvement in university life as well as hurting their mental health and sense of worth. Part-time jobs, loans? and skipped meals are some coping mechanisms found. Further, the study participants perceived a lack of institutional support and therefore urgently need targeted interventions which shall include expanded financial aid, mental health services, and campus policies that are truly inclusive. This research enlightens university policymakers, educators, and society about the structural barriers impeding fair access to higher education this being an appeal for reforms based on educational justice.