How the Hardship Fund makes all the difference to students in their time of need
The past few years have put unprecedented financial pressure on many of our students, from the pandemic, conflict and wars, and sharp increase in the cost of living, many have found themselves needing a helping hand.
Thanks to alumni and friends who choose to support our Hardship Fund, our students have somewhere to turn to in their time of need. Since March 2020, an incredible £1.94m has been awarded to 830 students who have faced financial adversity, with awards ranging from £500 to £4,000.
This support extends far beyond helping a student to complete their studies: it also means they can pursue their extra-curricular activities or benefit from work experience, giving them the skills and experience needed for their future careers.
We are extremely grateful to our donors who continue to support our Hardship Fund - your support ensures that during difficult times, students like Aleksandra, Anna, and Maab have somewhere to turn. You provide stability at a crucial time in a student’s journey towards using their LSE education for good. Thank you.
I was in my first year when war broke out in Ukraine, my home country, and the ongoing situation has had a huge impact on my family’s financial situation. Receiving the hardship funding has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders during these challenging times and has been transformative for me and my family. Your support has completely defined my LSE experience, allowing me to focus on my studies without having to take on paid work. This has afforded me the time to fully experience all LSE has to offer, including societies, events, and spending time with my friends. The last two years would have been a lot harder without your help. I will always be grateful for your generosity. Thank you.
Your generosity means I can focus on my studies without constantly worrying about my finances, and knowing I am being supported by donors who believe in the importance of education has motivated me to excel here at LSE. Thank you for making a meaningful difference to the lives of students like me.
The hardship fund is the primary reason I am still here and able to continue studying. I was struggling to pay for essentials like food and medication, and the hardship funding lifted this financial strain. It provided me with the peace of mind to fully engage with my LSE experience. Thank you.
