Student support fund update
Thursday, 07 May 2020
Our Student Financial Support team has secured additional funds to support our students who find themselves in financial difficulty, thanks in large part to the generosity of university donors. We have already awarded £67,608 in total to 68 individual students in March and April - over double the amount in financial support compared with the same months last year. The team is continuing to streamline the application process and is working towards other application system improvements. Development time and costs have been approved to make the service available on the RISIS WebPortal over the next few months, and thanks to Transactional Services we can pay students quicker after making decision than before. Along with the extension of the application deadline, the measures in place are making it easier for students experiencing financial strain to access funds.
This funding is just one part of the University’s package of financial support including:
- a £400 interest free short-term loan to returning students to purchase a laptop;
- 1-2-1 appointments with an adviser to provide specific advice for your circumstances;
- access to Blackbullion, our free, online financial support platform;
- Short-term Loans and Student Support Funds
Students can also contact RUSU’s Advice Team, who provide confidential and independent advice.
Matt Daley, Head of Student Financial Support and Customer Service, has expressed how pleased he is that financial support can be provided to our students in this incredibly challenging time.
"This is a worrying time for everyone but if you add financial struggles it can be overwhelming. My team know this and are working together with support from colleagues in Transactional Services to ensure Student Support Fund applications are processed quickly. In the last 30 days we have seen increased use of Blackbullion and over 500 students have signed up. Do check out how the tools and online pathways can help you and your students."
Students facing financial hardship at this time include those who have faced redundancy from part-time roles or have moved home while still being liable to pay rent for their private accommodation. Other students have found themselves studying from home without access to a laptop.
In response, students have expressed their gratitude not only for the fund, but the speed at which it was received, and the level of support and kindness of our Student Financial Support Team colleagues. Take a look at what our students had to say about the positive impact the funds have had...
“I am very pleased and grateful to have received financial support... I really did not know how I am going to pay for my accommodation fees...[the] people who were involved were very friendly and willing to help me and support me through this difficult situation”
Undergraduate student
“I would like to thank you at this time for all your combined help in supporting me financially...By far the most stress free month at uni for a long time... the advice available and the use of Blackbullion has been brilliant”
Postgraduate student
“The award has helped me immensely. I am now able to not worry about paying my rent and instead focus on my studies and completing my degree.”
Undergraduate student
Please visit Money Matter’s on Essentials to find out how to support students.