Tara shares how money from the hardship fund helped reduce her financial worries and enable her to focus on her studies. “When the UK Government announced the lockdown in response to Covid-19 and year 1 and 2 exams where cancelled, this not only changed my plans and goals for the academic achievements I was looking forward but affected my plans to fly home. Borders were closed, flights were suspended and my funds were running out, since all means of income were affected by this pandemic as well. I felt extremely worried and helpless as no money meant no way I could get through this crisis. “The money made a big difference. My worries were reduced and I was able to make my health a priority and focus on one of the things I loved and was good at – mathematics. “With lockdown restrictions in place and no flights operating, my initial plan of going home was no longer possible so staying in my accommodation was the only option but this needed funding I didn’t have. Thankfully, the University’s Advice Place told me about the hardship fund, and I applied right away. “The money made a big difference. My worries were reduced and I was able to make my health a priority and focus on one of the things I loved and was good at – mathematics. I used the given time to advance my knowledge of maths and explore interesting ideas, remembering that however my life had changed, there was still so much to look forward to and thrive for." Help students like Tara This article was published on 2024-10-29
