Universities across Yorkshire appeal to public to help students hardest hit from financial impact of pandemic

To help students facing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic universities across Yorkshire and the UK have launched initiatives to help support those facing the most financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In West Yorkshire the University of Bradford has recently set-up the Emergency Covid-19 Hardship Appeal to prevent the financial impact of the pandemic from jeopardising its students’ futures.

It was created after the institute's money team said it has seen a 107 per cent increase in applications for hardship funding and the university has responded to as many students as possible, with small grants and food parcels.

Professor Shirley Congdon, the Vice Chancellor, for the University of Bradford, said the aim of the project was to provide a vital life-line to students that are currently experiencing "severe" difficulties financially.

She said: "In a ‘normal’ year, evidence overwhelmingly shows, the number one reason students drop out of university is because of financial hardship and debt.

"As we know, this is not a normal year and some of our students are experiencing severe hardship. With your support, we can keep them in education and allow them to build the future they deserve."

One of these students in need of support includes a third year health studies student at the university, who did not want to be named, who said: "I’m currently in my final year of studies and I’m finding it hard to pay for things like food.

"I’m struggling to find a job and finding living through the pandemic very stressful."

Since launching on Thursday, (4 December) it has already raised more than £5,000 and the campaign will run until March with an ambition to reach £30,000.

Professor Congdon added: "We recognise we are all living in unprecedented times but we will not allow the Covid-19 pandemic to jeopardise our students’ learning and their futures.

"Unemployment and poverty in Bradford has risen drastically since March. This is having a direct impact on our students, many of whom depend upon part time work to cover the cost of basic needs like food and accommodation for themselves and their families."”

Meanwhile in South Yorkshire The University of Sheffield previously launched a similar initiative after March 2020 saw four times the usual number of student requests for emergency financial support.

A spokesperson from the University of Sheffield, said: "Staff in Student Support Services have been working tirelessly to help as many students as possible.

"But as we all come to terms with the challenges of a global pandemic, we know more students will need urgent financial support in the weeks and months ahead.

The university said some of the main reasons students may be struggling financially is because many are locked into tenancy agreements with private landlords, paying between £300-£400 per month. Also the rolling costs for utilities and insurance hasn't stopped.

Last minute travel has proven expensive for many; especially for international students and those returning from studying abroad

While obtaining reliable technology and resources to study off campus is essential but costly and those with young children are juggling their studies with childcare; whilst some continue to pay nursery fees.

The university added it has put in a host of measures to support students including students previously living on campus, who have returned home, have been relieved of further accommodation charges.

And any students employed by the university, who had work cancelled due to the outbreak, have either been paid in full or furloughed.

A spokesperson added: "Of course many students will have returned home to be with their families, who can offer financial and emotional support. But sadly this isn’t the case for all.

"For those students from low-income households, estranged from their families, international students and students from care backgrounds, reaching out to family and friends can be difficult, or impossible."

And at Sheffield Hallam University they have set up a digital hardship scheme to support students during remote learning. Through this scheme it has awarded £700,000 to more than 1,700 students – to provide vital technology and equipment.

They have also distributed £2m to students so far via its bursary scheme - and it took the the step of increasing award amounts this year to reduce the financial pressures faced by some of the students.

A spokeswoman from the university said: "As a University we are committed to supporting our students who need it most and especially during the Covid-19 pandemic which has had a significant impact."

In North Yorkshire the University of York launched its Emergency Student Support Fund in March - in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

All current students are eligible to apply for the funding - which offers students up to £500 to help with housing, food, travel and technology costs associated with online learning.

The fund, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, was provided by alumni and other donors. The next round of the fund is due to open in January 2021.

Mary Haworth, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni, said: "It has been a difficult year for our students, as it has for students around the world, but we know that this kind of support goes a long way to easing some of those difficulties, allowing them to achieve their full potential and enjoy their university experience.

"The challenges brought on by the pandemic are still very much here and that is why we are continuing with the Fund into January."

Elsewhere in the North of England, the University of Manchester raised more than £1m of support after launching it's Emergency Hardship Appeal at the end of April. It received donations from more than 3,000 supporters in 80 countries across the world.

The resulting funds have been used in a variety of projects, including the purchase of 150 additional laptops to loan to students who do not have adequate IT provision, an extension to the emergency financial support from our existing Living Cost Support Fund.

And also employing a counsellor to work in the Halls of Residence to support students experiencing mental health difficulties as a result of the pandemic and an assessment of students with learning disabilities to help them access additional support where required.

Universities across Yorkshire were contacted by The Yorkshire Post in regards to applications for hardship funding on the rise and the universities response.

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