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Students frequently overcome a variety of challenges to achieve their dream of going to university, but all too often financial struggles can lead to them facing the prospect of having to drop out.

For many, the escalating cost of living means that the funding that they receive simply isn’t enough to get them through the academic year. In fact, since 2020 Sussex has seen a 60% rise in student hardship applications, a percentage that is forecast to rise further in 2025.

Many students do take on part-time work alongside their studies, and those with families increasingly rely on them for financial assistance. Despite this, a Higher Education Policy Institute report recently revealed that “university support services are an essential function for preventing financially struggling students from dropping out.”

Whilst we can help the majority, the sad truth is that we can’t support every single student who faces financial challenges. However, with your help, we can ensure that every student that qualifies for a financial grant in 2024/205 receives the support they need to thrive at Sussex. 

The good news is that with your help we can bridge that gap.

Typical monthly costs that a hardship award might cover include: an accessible taxi for a disabled student to travel to and from campus four times (£175); purchasing books and essential course materials (£54); a pass for travel around Brighton (£65). Overall, the average spend for a student in Brighton, not including course fees, is £1,100 per month*.

Valarie** is an Accounting and Finance student and is one of more than 600 students that we awarded hardship support to last year. She says:

“I’m an international student and my family weren’t able to support me. I went through many challenges just to get here. But with the support of this wonderful university and the hardship fund, I overcame substantial financial issues to get my degree. It even helped me hire my graduation gown – a very important day in my life.”

Another student that we were able to help is Robert**, an Engineering and Business Management postgrad. He says:

“Due to unforeseen events, I was in a terrible financial position when I started at Sussex. The hardship grant meant I was able to pay for rent and food, allowing me to study stress-free.

“Now I am on track to publish my Masters. What you do is life changing and I’m so grateful that you were able to help me. I would love to thank all the donors personally.”

*Amounts correct as at October 2024
**Names have been changed to protect anonymity