How are students supposed to survive??

Don't believe the press. University students can work, it's those at colleges that can't because of the high numbers of visa abuse.

7.18 Page 36 (or page 8 if you use the publications numbering) Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.

Presented to Parliament pursuant to section 3(2) of 
the Immigration Act 1971

Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed
13 July 2015

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444701/50596_hc_297.pdf

The government have listed the main changes here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tier-4-visas-immigration-rules-changes

There seems to be some work changes for the dependants Tier 4s bring if they aren't skilled workers.

stop Tier 4 dependants from taking a low or unskilled job, but allow them to take part-time or full-time skilled work (from the autumn)

How would they even find out that you're volunteering or working remotely?

Is the "no work" bit for international students going to mean no online/remote working and no volunteering either, like it is for visitor visas? Because that would be a phenomenally stupid idea.

How would they even find out that you're volunteering or working remotely?

How would they find out if you were working cash-in-hand picking strawberries, working behind a bar, or doing acting or modelling work? They probably wouldn't, but doing anything that is explicitly forbidden under the terms of your visa is illegal and could get you (and potentially whoever let you volunteer or work for them) in a lot of trouble if you get caught.