During the 2019-20 academic year, the Student Hardship Fund received 169 applications – 19% more than the previous year – with grants ranging from £55 up to £3,000. By increasing the amount available to students, your gifts made a real difference to those affected by the pandemic, offering a safety net at a time of tremendous global uncertainty. For some students, this meant the difference between deferring their studies and continuing their degree.

One recipient of the Hardship Fund explains:

My mother, my only parent, was sent on unpaid leave as of mid-March. As she provides me with my monthly budget, my financial situation became dire almost immediately. I tried finding a job, but the options were few due to the lockdown situation.

The grant helped me to survive and pay for my bills and food. My sincere thanks go out to the alumni who donated, without which I really don’t know what I’d have done.

The impact of the pandemic on our students persists, with the Hardship Fund facing a further increase in applications this academic year. We are continuing to work alongside the Student Services team to support as many students as possible.