The spring semester has begun in mainland China. A video of a conversation between a father and daughter has recently gone viral on the internet, sparking widespread attention. Although the authenticity of the video is disputed, it reflects the real issue of economic pressure faced by college students. In recent years, factors such as China’s sluggish economy, household income levels, and rising tuition fees have contributed to the economic burden on some Chinese university students.
The video shows the daughter anxiously asking her father, “Dad, when will you give me the money for my tuition? I’ve reminded you several times, and the teacher is urging me to pay the tuition. I’m the only one in the class who hasn’t paid the tuition yet. The tuition is 7500 yuan (RMB).” The father, with a troubled expression, admits his current financial difficulties and reassures his daughter that he will make arrangements to borrow the money.
The daughter expresses frustration about the situation, emphasizing the pressure she feels due to the unpaid tuition. The father attempts to borrow money from a friend named Rui Ge, but it proves unsuccessful. Subsequent attempts to borrow money from another friend named Long Ge also face obstacles as he reminds the father of an outstanding debt.
The conversation escalates tension as the daughter questions her father’s actions and expresses her distress over the situation. The father, desperate to help his daughter, suggests alternative solutions like asking for an extension from the school and pledging to raise the money by selling sugarcane from their hometown.
After the video was shared online, it sparked discussions among netizens. Some empathized with the daughter’s plight, attributing her anxiety to financial pressures, while others commended the father for his efforts to secure the tuition funds. Some questioned the authenticity of the video, noting the possibility of it being a scripted scenario.
In recent years, tuition fees at some Chinese universities have increased, posing a significant financial burden for students from low-income families, especially those in underdeveloped rural areas. Apart from tuition, the daily living expenses of college students have also risen, particularly in major cities where costs for rent, meals, transportation, and other necessities present challenges for economically disadvantaged students.
Statistics show that the average monthly living expenses for some university students have reached 2000-3000 yuan, with costs potentially higher in larger cities. Economic difficulties not only affect students’ ability to afford tuition but also impact their future development opportunities based on social resources and family background.
Concerns have been raised regarding the unequal distribution of educational resources exacerbating social stratification, making it harder for children from impoverished families to achieve social mobility through higher education. The challenges faced by economically disadvantaged college students highlight the need for comprehensive support mechanisms to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.