This message is ONLY for St George's registered students.
Dear Students,
We know the uncertainties caused by the pandemic have been worrying for everyone. Although we can now see ahead to a phase without Covid-19 restrictions, the financial fallout remains a concern for many.
In response to the pandemic, the Office for Students has provided additional funding to universities to help alleviate student hardship. Here at St George’s we have been given an extra £66,000 to increase funding for hardship which has already been supplemented thanks to donations from our alumni. We have been considering how best to use these funds. Below you will find information about some of the ways St George’s can assist you if you find yourself in need of financial support and we encourage you to seek help if you need it.
Accommodation payment support for students unable to return to campus
As a university focused on health and science, most of our undergraduate students were able to return to campus after the Christmas break and resume their studies as scheduled. However, a small group of students were unable to return to student halls, as a result of government advice which prevented their courses from resuming face-to-face teaching this term as planned (including BSc Biomedical Science and BSc Clinical Pharmacology students).
Some international students remain unable to re-enter the UK because of travel restrictions. We hope to welcome them back to campus as soon as it is safe for them to rejoin us.
For eligible students who were unable to return but whose belongings remain in Halls:
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We will move affected students to a ‘dormant’ status in their halls contract for the period they were legally unable to return to St. George’s. This status attracts a charge of £25 per week instead of the normal Licence Fee rate.
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International students who are currently unable to travel will be moved onto the dormant rate until they are able to return to Halls.
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The difference will be applied as a rebate to students’ overall outstanding balance for the year’s Licence Fee.
Students can continue to apply to cancel their accommodation contract on health or serious welfare grounds, if their health or wellbeing is demonstrably put at risk by remaining in Halls. Consideration is also given to cases where immediate family members might be put at risk. Contact the Accommodation Team if you are in this position at accommodation@sgul.ac.uk.
We know that there are also students living in private rented accommodation during term-time who were unable to return and have been similarly financially affected.
For eligible students in private rented accommodation:
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We will create a financial support fund for students who are paying for accommodation which they are currently unable to use. Affected students are invited to apply via the Student Life Centre. Please contact the team at studentlifecentre@sgul.ac.uk.
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The award amount will be established once applications are received, up to a maximum individual award and the total value of the fund.
Hardship funding for students
We know that more students are finding themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic. Some have lost part-time jobs and may need emergency support for rent or living costs, while others have had to cover the cost of computing equipment for remote study.
In response to the pandemic, we have made additional funds available for students who need financial support. We have adjusted the criteria for those who may be eligible for our Access to Learning Fund (ALF) and EU & International Hardship Fund to widen eligibility and increase the average award so that more students can benefit. The funds are open to eligible undergraduate (UG), postgraduate taught (PG) and postgraduate research (PGR) students.
Awards made since the beginning of January have been reassessed based on the new criteria to ensure fairness. Students can also reapply for funding if their financial situation changes.
Visit our webpage for more information on the ALF and the EU and International Hardship Fund, the eligibility criteria, and guidance notes on how to apply.
New support for Postgraduate Research Students
We are setting aside some further funds specifically for PGR students who may have particular financial difficulties due to Covid-19. Further information about how to access these funds will be published after Easter.
National Student Money Week
February 22-26 is National Student Money Week, which raises awareness about the mony advice and support available to students at University and beyond.
Created by the National Association of Student Money Advisers, the week features online resources relating to your financial wellbeing. Topics covered include help with budgeting, getting out of debt and practical steps to prepare you for unexpected financial circumstances.
If you are currently in need of financial assistance, we strongly encourage you to look at the support we have available and how we can help. We also have lots of information available on our webpages and you can contact us at studentfinance@sgul.ac.uk.
Best wishes,
Jenny Laws
Academic Registrar