students facing crisis 

As we face an uncertain winter, Kingston University is experiencing extraordinary demand for hardship support from our students. Students like Jess are seeing rapid cost-of-living rises, and their student loans are not keeping up.

After increased rent, bills, and other essentials - even with part time work - it is becoming impossible to balance essential outgoings and income. 1 in 3 students are left with £50 a month for expenses, after rent and bills. This is why Jess had to apply to the hardship fund here at Kingston.

Kingston students are particularly affected by the cost-of-living crisis, as one of the top 10 Universities in the UK for Social Mobility.

• We have more care leavers than any other UK higher education institution AND our care leavers outperform their peers at other universities*
• 39% of our students are from families with an income of under £25,000. They cannot rely on financial support from their family.

Disadvantaged students face a difficult choice. Some take on too many hours in part-time jobs or go into debt to make ends meet. Sadly, others drop out altogether when faced with the pressure of homelessness and making ends meet.

Students are being encouraged to reach out to their universities for help. Last year, Kingston distributed £1.9m to support vulnerable students, and this year we are offering additional financial support, but even food bank referrals and winter coat drives.

We unfortunately cannot meet this demand alone. Without the support of alumni, friends and our supporters, we know we will have to limit the numbers of students we are able to support.

Where will the money go?

An average award from the Student Hardship Fund can be as low as £200.

By making a gift you’ll help increase the financial support on offer and provide a safety net for those facing hardship. Whatever you choose to give, your kindness will have a real and immediate impact.

Your gift will be generously matched by The Mohn Westlake Foundation, meaning your gift will go twice as far to support vulnerable students.

Thank you

• We appreciate that this is a difficult time for many people, and you may not be in a position to support us. Whether or not you can give, it would be really helpful if you could share with others who may themselves choose to support us. 

 *98% of KU Cares students completed their studies, compared to 62% of students in this bracket at other universities.