Providing a lifeline when students need it most
The problems we face in our world today mean uncertainty for many. For our diverse range of students, financial support can mean the difference between being able to complete their degree to the best of their ability, versus abandoning this life-changing opportunity altogether.
Since March 2020, thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we have been able to provide 886 hardship awards ranging from £500 to £4,000 to students who have fallen into unforeseen financial difficulty. Students like Nick, Zeerak, Mazen and Vidyashree, who without the support of the Hardship Fund, would have found it incredibly difficult to continue their LSE education and to benefit from the enriching opportunities our community has to offer.
As a student with no family support, I found myself extremely vulnerable this year when I was forced to leave my accommodation abruptly due to poor plumbing. My hardship award meant I could still travel to campus from my new accommodation and afford to buy lunch when I couldn’t bring it with me. It has also allowed me to reduce my paid working hours, giving me time to volunteer with a homelessness charity, and provide free GCSE tutoring to two students. This is the second time I’ve received a hardship award, and without it, I would not have been able to navigate this stressful situation and consequently would have had to leave LSE. I would encourage anyone who is considering supporting the Hardship Fund to do so if they can, because it means students like me can continue their studies and grow as a person. I am profoundly grateful for the support and faith that the LSE community has shown in me this year. It gives students like me the hope and strength to persist during challenging times.
I sustained a serious fracture which required surgery, and this came with unexpected costs including medical care and support when I was unable to cook. My hardship award meant I didn’t have to constantly worry about how I was going to make ends meet, and I could focus on my recovery and studies without compromise. It also reaffirmed my commitment to my degree and future goals, and I’m now more motivated than ever to make the most of my time here. I am profoundly grateful for the support and faith that the LSE community has shown in me this year. It gives students like me the hope and strength to persist during challenging times.
A donation to the Hardship Fund today will directly support more students in their time of need, helping them to become the leaders and problem-solvers we need today more than ever before.
