Student Support Fund
Never have students been under more financial pressure. The current cost of living crisis will create financial pressures for many of our students to manage alongside their studies.
The Student Support Fund is a lifeline for a number of RVC students. It assists them through difficult times, both financially and emotionally. Thanks to the RVC Alumni Fund we are able to provide vital support. This enables students to focus on learning and achieving their aspirations, in spite of any financial challenges they may face.
The ongoing impact of the pandemic, particularly in relation to finding part-time work and the steep rise in the cost of living is an additional stressful challenge to student life. Unsurprisingly, applications for grants from the Student Support Fund increased by around 60% in 2020/2021 and they continue to climb this year.
Within the Student Support Fund is the Digital Support Fund and the Hardship Fund. These funds are designed to help students in different ways.
Did you know?
The Student Support Fund helps more than 100 students each year.
Who we help
Priority for grants from the Student Support Fund is given to students who are most vulnerable, including:
- Carers
- Students with disabilities
- Students from low income families
- Students estranged from their parents.
Therefore, the fund provides vital support to students who already have substantial obstacles to overcome.
'This award was amazing to receive, especially because I don't receive financial support from my family due to them being on a low income. It was such a relief and helped alleviate some stress'
Did you know?
We need £100,000 each academic year to support students experiencing financial hardship.
How we help
Students need support with technology costs. During the pandemic some teaching moved online, creating a dependency on personal computers and broadband. The RVC library’s computer facilities were inaccessible at times and some students who had previously relied on this resource found themselves stuck. Sometimes, the equipment and broadband facilities they did have weren't sufficient to access online teaching and learning. Our hardship funds were used to ensure that every student had access to the resources they needed to continue their studies. We all know that the learning and teaching environment has changed since the pandemic, with an increase focus on online delivery. Equal access to technology is essential so that all students can achieve their potential. Your contributions assist us in ensuring that all of our students can enjoy access to the technology that they need and enjoy.
As one recipient of an RVC Digital Support Grant explains,
'The laptop which I was using was over 10 years old and it kept breaking down. I was making hand-written notes. Without the digital support fund, I would have had to save for much longer to afford a new laptop, which was putting me in financial difficulty. My studies would have suffered because I would not have been able to access online material as easily, especially during the period of blended learning. I am incredibly grateful to the RVC for this support as it has been invaluable, and I sincerely hope that this fund will be available to support students like me in the future.'
'It really made such a difference to my studies. Due to this award I was able to purchase a new laptop and was able to work at my own pace, and at home. It is greatly appreciated that this award exists. Thank you so much!'
RVC Alumni make a vital contribution to the Student Support Fund. Your help makes this possible.
THANK YOU.
Did you know?
In 2020 the Animal Care Trust donated £75,000 to the Student Support Fund to help students financially impacted by COVID-19.
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