These are external links and will open in a new window. When he was out of money and stealing the milk in student digs, he decided there was only one option to earn some cash. I only did it when I really needed it," he said. Eventually, his parents found out and put a stop to it. He never talked to anyone else, including a subsequent girlfriend, about what had happened.
He now has a job, but says he is not in a position to preach to other students who are struggling for money. But if I was put back in that same situation, I might do the same thing," he said. A survey of students suggested that one in 25 undergraduates have tried adult work, including sugar dating by going out with older men, selling used underwear and having sex for money. The National Student Money Survey , by website Save the Student, gathers the views of more than 3, people currently studying.
The proportion of those asked - who had done some kind of adult work - was double the proportion of the previous year. Nearly four in five students worried about making ends meet, according to the survey which was published in August. Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was shocked how many of her fellow students were involved in adult work of some kind to make ends meet.
I went to the shops and all I could afford was an oven pizza for the day," she said. In desperation, she found information on social media on how to sell photos on an online fetish site. My Dad knew, my boyfriend knew. I do not regret it because I was finding a way to make money to eat," she said. I will always be bitter about it. Psychotherapist Hannah Morish said that intimate work could easily lead to anxiety and depression. But it's not all that unexpected, given the financial situation students are put in," he said.
The National Union of Students NUS has information about dealing with stress , managing finances and support for student sex workers. Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Get in touch and let us know if you wish to remain anonymous. Email us at haveyoursay bbc. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:.
