STUDENTS are "close to the brink" financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic - with one in five struggling to pay bills and rent.
A survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) suggests almost three in four are concerned about being able to manage financially.
The poll found half plan to have a full or part-time job alongside their studies when they return this month.
The union wants the UK government to provide more hardship funding to universities to help support students who find themselves in difficulty.
Universities are planning to use a blended learning approach, with both online and face-to-face classes when campuses reopen.
The majority of students surveyed said they are concerned about the risk of contracting coronavirus.
Of those who experienced remote learning last term, almost 20 per cent said it was not of a good standard. Others said they were not able to access it sufficiently to complete their studies.
The NUS said students should be given the option to redo the term or have their fees written off or reimbursed.
"Students are close to the brink financially with little room for manoeuvre or options to help themselves," said NUS president Larissa Kennedy.
"Many have lost jobs during the lockdown, not been able to find employment over the summer and/or seen the incomes of those they rely on financially seriously affected by coronavirus.
"Governments across the UK need to act urgently to ensure that students do not go hungry or end up in rent arrears next term. They must work with universities and colleges to ensure that hardship funds are sufficiently resourced and available for all students who need them."
Ms Kennedy added it was unacceptable that so many students had been unable to engage with learning during the pandemic.
Universities UK said it was understandable that students would have questions about the start of the new term.
"University teams are communicating regularly with students and offering targeted support on issues including wellbeing, financial aid as well as the use of hardship funds and assistance for those facing digital poverty," a spokesman said.
"Equal opportunity for all - including providing the necessary equipment and resources for those who need additional support at home - is a priority for universities and institutions will do all they can to ensure their plans are visible and well understood."
