Lots of students have come forward and recieved financial support this term. We've made the process as easy as possible for you - but don't just take our word for it. Here are three students sharing their experiences of applying for financial support from us.
Third-year student, Iris, received an emergency grant last term. Hear what the process was like and how it helped...
Other students shared their experiences of receiving funding:
"I applied for a monthly oyster card because I am a PhD student, and I am coming to the campus almost every day using the tube. This month was quite busy for me because of the thesis committee therefore I need financial support. The team directly contacted me, and Yasmin interviewed me online. I can say that she was so nice and friendly. I got the grant 1 week after my application, so the process was quick."
It is (...) a big mental relief, knowing that I can keep focusing on work rather than running around to try and find some shifts!
A postgraduate student we spoke to said:
"During my Masters, I suffered from some severe declines in my health, and found myself progressively struggling with work and studying. Eventually, I had no choice but to give up my job, and with an extremely slow recovery, it was only a matter of time before I had exhausted all my accessible funds (i.e - overdraft, savings and credit cards). I turned to UCL for help.
I spoke to a few members of the financial team who gave me advice on budgeting and money management. They also pointed me in the direction of the Financial Assistance and Sarah Douglas Hardship funds. Through the Student Union, I was paired with an advisor who supported me through my applications, and I was fortunate enough to be rewarded a grant.
The support from my advisor meant the absolute world during a very difficult time.
The Sarah Douglas Hardship fund helped me (and my family) get through an incredibly difficult time. The grant helped me to maintain my financial contributions to my household for a couple of months, including groceries (...) and my rent contribution. This helped to take off a lot of financial pressure, allowing me to continue studying, and giving me some time to get back on my feet."
If you're experiencing financial difficulties, you don't have to struggle in silence - we're here to help you get back on your feet. There is a range of financial support available, including:
Up to £3,000 if you’ve encountered unexpected circumstances that have put you into financial difficulty. This fund can only be used to support living costs, not fees. The medical school has an additional similar grant available.
Up to £250 to cover unexpected delays to your normal income stream. This is an interest free loan, which you’ll usually have to pay back within a month.
This is run by us and provides financial support to students in difficulty who have tried other routes of emergency funding but have had their applications turned down.
Another scheme run by us, apply for this fund to help with the cost of getting involved in club and society activity – i.e to cover membership fees, buying equipment, etc.
Providing financial assistance for students to purchase items that will make them more comfortable with their gender presentation and, we hope, improve their wellbeing.