The University of Aberdeen has launched an appeal to help support disadvantaged students struggling to make ends meet this winter and ensure a University education remains accessible to people from all walks of life.
The University’s ‘Open to All’ fund seeks to provide disadvantaged students with essential items such as laptops, books and field equipment. It will also help cover moving costs for those who cannot stay at home and enable the institution to offer extra support to help underprivileged students start their further education journey.
Alumni around the world are being asked to donate to the fund. University activities have already raised £6,000 with the proceeds of other events, such as the Celebration of Carols, contributing to the pot going forward.
Dr Sally Middleton, Access and Articulation Manager, said the support the University would be able to offer would have a major impact on the lives and studies of many.
“The founding motto of the University was ‘open to all’ and it is one that resonates deeply today. This year we have welcomed thousands of new students to the Aberdeen family but for many of them the journey has not been easy. For others, it was over before it began.
“Working on the frontline supporting applicants, the stories we hear are heart-breaking. Many are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet as part-time jobs have disappeared, savings and family incomes have been impacted by the pandemic and the costs of living and studying are harder to meet.
“Donating to the fund means giving the students who have the talent but not the means the extra support they need to get started. For many this is a lifeline in making University a reality. Our graduate family around the world have always shown great generosity and benevolence and we are confident that they will do what they can to make this happen.”
Funds raised from the campaign will be used to support students in a number of ways:
- £50 will buy two weeks of grocery shopping for a refugee student struggling to pay for food
- £100 will help towards the cost of moving to Aberdeen for a student who has no parental support
- £250 will help towards rent for a student who has fallen behind in payments
- £400 will allow a student from one of the most deprived areas of Scotland the opportunity to earn a Higher-equivalent Maths or English qualification needed to get into University
- £525 would cover the cost of essential IT equipment to allow a student carer to look after family and concentrate on their studies
- £1,000 will pay nursery feeds for a student parent so they do not have to miss classes because they can’t afford childcare
Alumni who would like to donate can do so by visiting the Open to All Fund page on the University website.