Student Hardship Fund
All donations to the Union of Brunel Student's Hardship Fund go directly to students to provide emergency grants and allow them to confidently continue their studies at Brunel without financial worries.
The hardship fund is set up to support students through difficult financial circumstances that may have otherwise meant they had to abandon their education.
The hardship fund is set up to support students through difficult financial circumstances that may have otherwise meant they had to abandon their education.
This has included fast-track funding for smaller, immediate needs such as food packs, to significant longer-term support to meet off-campus accommodation costs.
Over the last few years, the increase in cost of living has meant the need for financial support for students has been overwhelming. A survey by Save the Student showed that since 2022:
- The average student's monthly living costs have increased by 17%
- 18% of students in the survey have used a food bank in the last academic year
- 22% of surveyed students said they often skip meals to save money
- The average student's Maintenance Loan falls short of covering their living costs by £582 per month
Over academic year 23/24, we have provided a total of £13,540 in hardship awards to 43 students.
The awards were given for a variety of reasons but the majority were given to support students with (in order of highest to lowest):
Costs of food and essentials
Medicine and healthcare costs
Travel costs to University and Placements
Purchasing books
Costs of utility bills
All students receiving an award are asked to also complete a feedback form. Feedback received from students stated that:
· 50% of students receiving an award were able to immediately resolve their issue.
· An award supported 90% of students to either fully or partly resolve their issue.
· 70% of students considered dropping out as a result of their hardship, with 50% of these students deciding not to as a direct result of support from the hardship fund.
Student quotes:
"I'm sincerely grateful for the help that I've received from the staff member who dealt with my case. The help I've received will alleviate my immediate need for now. Thank you ever so much."
"I was able to sort out my issue really quickly and the process was very easy to follow as I got regular updated via email and response to my queries."
"The staff are super friendly and the process is pretty quick."
“The staff were excellent in dealing with my request and very prompt with payment”
"I would like to say that although I have had many many many difficulties, the student union, especially Huw and Sapna, have been amazing, and I cannot speak highly of them. I am honoured to have met them and the help I received. Even with limitations put on, they were always there, and I am ever so grateful for their support, advice, and help. I wish them all the success and happiness in the world. Thank you again."
"I want to say a big thank you to the union for their sincere help to students."
"I am very thankful for the fund. It helped me a lot."
"The Union has been very helpful."