The University of Sheffield has seen a significant increase in applications for emergency funding, with 9,595 applications made in the 2023-24 academic year—up from 5,926 in 2022-23, according to a Freedom of Information request by The Star. This 61% rise reflects the growing financial pressures students are facing.
The funding is designed to address financial challenges, including rising rents, utility bills, and essential costs. Students can also access support for employability-related expenses, such as interview clothing and IT equipment, as well as emergency assistance like food vouchers or accommodation.
Since 2020, the University has awarded over £10.17 million in emergency funding to 25,955 students. In 2023-24 alone, the total amount awarded rose to £2.62 million, with students receiving an average of £272.96 each.
Forge Press spoke to Nadya Ghani, SU Welfare and Sustainability Officer, who attributed the surge in applications to Sheffield’s historic rent increases and the inadequacy of maintenance loans.
“Costs for food, bills, and rent have gone up significantly over the last few years, and the maintenance loans awarded by Student Finance England do not meet these costs, leaving students struggling and having to apply for emergency funding,” she said.
While the University’s emergency fund for the current academic year is not yet open, it is scheduled to reopen on December 2nd.
Nadya said the SU has been advocating for students in financial need. “When the fund is open, we will actively promote this on social media. Students needing support in applying can access advice from the Student Advice Centre,” she added.
The University has also worked closely with the SU to support students through initiatives such as a community fridge, a clothes swap shop, and signposting discounts to help alleviate financial pressures.
Beyond emergency funding, the SU is lobbying for broader reforms to student finance. A campaign with other SUs and the NUS aims to push for changes to the maintenance loan system, including reintroducing maintenance grants.
“We believe that students should be a lot more financially stable than the current loan system allows them to be,” Nadya said.
Forge Press also spoke to Giulia Nevini, a University of Sheffield student, who described how funding helped them during their studies.
In their second year, Giulia applied for support after their laptop broke down. “I applied for financial support in the value of £400. Five days later, [the University] reached out to ask if I would be interested in being considered for this other fund—to get a laptop instead of money,” they said, adding that they received the laptop within a week.
Giulia also highlighted barriers to accessing support. “When you apply for funding, you also have to submit a bunch of documents: account statements and payslips, which can be a little embarrassing. People might feel shame about not being able to support themselves,” they explained.
A University spokesperson said: “The University has provided a significant amount of funding to students through its financial support fund and continues to offer financial support to help students overcome unexpected difficulties.
“We encourage any student who is struggling with financial pressures to access available support, which could include financial advice and guidance; bursaries; emergency funding; grants to allow participation in sports and activities; as well as an accommodation guarantor scheme to help eligible students secure rental agreements.”
Image credit: University of Sheffield
