Kennedy Obohwemu – 1st Year, PhD Public Health
"As a self-funded international student, I rely heavily on the proceeds from income at home to pay my tuition fees.
"The COVID-19 pandemic virtually crippled the economy back home, making it extremely difficult to make ends meet.
"Businesses have been shut down and it will take quite a while for things to return to normal. The COVID-19 Emergency Hardship Fund was so important, as it provided me hope just when all hope seemed lost.”
Lily Dooks – MA in Advanced Dance Performance
"I was halfway through my MA when lockdown hit. We were advised to be with our families and continue our course remotely; something very challenging for a fully practical course on many levels.
"Finding any work at this time to support myself through my studies was impossible, as was applying for any other external help such as Universal Credit.
"Receiving the money from the Hardship Fund really felt like a lifeline to me; it meant that I could keep up with my rent and bills for my flat, and I was able to focus on completing my Masters without the immediate worry of eviction. Thank you to the University."