As a result, John Dark, who farms at Mullion, has to undertake a 25-mile trip to market in Truro, meaning extra expense and increased concerns about animal welfare.

BBC: Livestock markets in decline

For wealthy countries, welfare states acted as a buffer to the economic shock, even at the expense of growth.

FORBES: PIGS Provide Cautionary Tale For U.S. Reform

Veronica King, NUS vice president for welfare, said she was not surprised more students were studying closer to home considering the "huge expense" of rent and bills on top of tuition fees and other basic living costs.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Students 'stay home to cut costs'