Leeds University now ranks fifth for the fastest growing communities of ‘sugar babies’, students who seek relationships online for money.

Leeds is the ‘Fastest growing Sugar Baby School in the UK’ according to seekingarrangement.com, where “mutually-beneficial” relationships allow wealthy older people or “Sugar Daddies” to meet young, attractive partners.

LS spoke to Amy, a current Leeds University student who has been a member on the site for the last 18 months. Amy said that she knows 10 other students at Leeds who also use the site. She has so far met with four Sugar Daddies for dinner and drinks but said the hook ups were “not serious”.

According to the site, the average University Sugar Baby will receive a monthly allowance of £5,000 from her Sugar Daddy.

Amy does not have a monthly allowance set up, as she doesn’t meet regularly, instead, receiving payment when she asks for it. The highlight of her experience with the site was when she was taken to a nice restaurant, followed by a casino.

In 2013, 143 Leeds University students signed up to the site. This has increased from 98 sign ups the year before. Amy said the rising popularity of the site in Leeds is because it is “an easy was to get cash” when students can’t afford living costs.

Charlotte Warner, the Union’s Welfare officer said: “If students are using these sites, I have concerns for their welfare and what’s driving them to do so. If it’s a lack of finances that’s driving students to use these sites, rather than them actually choosing to, then it’s important for them to know that there are other options.”

The site’s Founder and CEO, Brandon Wade, has stated there is a direct correlation between a Sugar Baby sign-up increase and the increased tuition fees. Mr Wade said: “We are not only helping students achieve financial freedom, but also indirectly relieving the government from the burden of unpaid loans.”

Maddy Keating

Photo: Sam Broadley