“Working Through Exam Week” 

Rising Living Costs Increase Financial Pressure on Local University Students 

                                                                                                      

 As living and housing costs continue to rise, an increasing number of university students are balancing academics with part-time work. At local universities in particular, it is not uncommon to find students working during exam periods to cover rent and daily expenses.

 Student A, who attends the Gangneung Campus, often does not finish his day until after 1 a.m. He attends classes during the day and works part-time in the evenings.

“I can’t afford to reduce my work hours because I have to pay rent and cover my living expenses,” Student A said. “During exam periods, I often work late into the night, which leaves me with less time to study.”

 More university students are taking on part-time jobs as the cost of living continues to rise. In addition to tuition, increasing expenses for rent, food, transportation, and other necessities have placed greater financial pressure on students. This burden is often felt more strongly at local universities, where support systems are generally more limited than those available in the Seoul metropolitan area.

 According to Statistics Korea’s Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), the average monthly expenditure of a single-person household reached 1.689 million won in 2024. Housing, utilities, and energy expenses accounted for 18.4 percent of total spending. As living costs continue to rise, students are becoming increasingly dependent on part-time employment to support themselves financially.

 At many local universities, limited dormitory capacity forces a significant number of students to live off campus in one-room apartments or rented housing. According to local real estate agents in Gangneung, monthly rent for one-room apartments near universities typically ranges from 350,000 to 400,000 won. Including maintenance fees and utility costs, monthly housing expenses can reach between 450,000 and 500,000 won. When food, textbooks, and transportation costs are added, this financial burden becomes even greater.

 Student B, who attends the Samcheok Campus, works overnight shifts at a convenience store on weekdays and at a café on weekends. He said balancing work and school often leaves him exhausted.

 “After work, I often stay up late to complete assignments,” Student B said. “There are many days when I feel tired during class.”

 Students say financial pressures make it difficult to reduce their working hours. It is common to see university students working late at restaurants and convenience stores near campus, and many continue working night shifts even during exam periods.

 Analysts say that the increase in student part-time employment is no longer simply about earning spending money. While students once worked primarily to pay tuition, rising rent and living expenses have made part-time jobs essential for covering basic living costs. Concerns have also been raised that long working hours may negatively affect academic performance.

 Although the government and local authorities operate various support programs, including rent assistance and scholarships aimed at helping young adults maintain financial stability, many students say the support available does not adequately address their needs. Strict eligibility requirements and complicated application procedures often prevent students from receiving such benefits. Some students also said they were not familiar with many of the available programs.

 Experts warn that the financial burden facing young adults could have long-term effects on academic persistence and regional settlement. As living costs continue to rise, they argue that student support policies must become more effective and accessible.

Won Woojin

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