As a result of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the University has moved all teaching online for the remainder of the academic year. We are supporting our students whether they choose to stay on campus or not – but unfortunately for some, the decision is out of their hands.
Whether this is due to unaffordable travel costs, border closures or lack of equipment to continue their studies remotely, we are seeing many students facing financial difficulty. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and as such it may take weeks for the full scale of student need to emerge. At this challenging time, the Student Hardship Fund is even more important to safeguarding welfare of our students – and your help is vital.
What could your donation do?
• £25 could buy groceries for a student who is unable to work part-time
• £100 could purchase equipment for a student to continue their studies remotely
• £500 could help pay for rented accommodation
• £1,000 could finance plane tickets home for a student stranded either in the UK or abroad
We would like to thank everyone who has recently donated to the Alumni Fund – your generosity has enabled us to direct £10,000 to help support students affected by the outbreak.
How are students affected?
Here are just a few of the examples we have received from colleagues across the University community:
• “One of our MSc students is struggling financially as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, and is facing eviction from her rented accommodation. She is an overseas student who would prefer to go home, but is unable to due to the current restrictions put in place by her government. She used to work part-time at a restaurant and is reliant on this income, but there is no more work.”
• “Two of our students had to pay over £1,000 to get home from Malaysia recently, compared to the normal £300. Both had been there on an unpaid internship.”
• “One of our politics students on placement in London had her contract terminated out of the blue and is contracted to pay rent on her flat until July. She is concerned she won’t be able to find an alternative at this time to cover her costs.”
How can you help?
Donate today to ensure that all of our students in need are able to access the support they deserve.
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