Helping students during the cost of living crisis

“When I read the email from Student Funding notifying me of the money awarded to me, I just wanted to cry” shared Sarah*, one of our students who was helped by the University’s Financial Aid Fund. “I get goosebumps when I think that only three weeks ago, I was practically homeless and how overwhelmed and worried I felt.”

The University anticipates that more of our students than ever before will need financial assistance. Therefore, it is paramount that we can provide vital financial support and a safeguard for students when they need it most.

Ann Gordon, Deputy Student Funding Officer within the Student Services Directorate explained how the University provides support. “As a University, we have a duty of care to our students who are facing increasing pressure throughout their studies.

“Through no fault of their own, many of our students need financial assistance, including students from underrepresented backgrounds who often have no other means of support, as well as many international students whose funds are simply not stretching as they expected due to increased living costs.”

The cost-of-living crisis is deeply affecting students. It is estimated that a student studying at Dundee spends £775-£975 each month on living expenses, £250 of which is for groceries alone. This increase is the result of cost inflation and the exponential rise in prices of certain grocery items. For example, since 2021, milk and bread prices have increased by 50% and 21% respectively.

“The Student Funding Unit administers discretionary funds, which can provide financial assistance to help students with their essential living expenses such as rent, utility bills, access to broadband, and food,” Ann explained. “We also offer budgeting sessions to help students keep track of their spending, raise awareness of what they spend their money on, and maximise their income for their benefit.

“In November 2022, the University committed an extra £100,000 to student funding to support international students facing financial difficulties,” Ann continued. “The University is also working with Dundee University Students’ Association on the newly established Pantry and Breakfast Club, which offer students free non-perishable foodstuffs and toiletries as well as free breakfast in warm surroundings.”

The University is also prioritising the Student Financial Aid Fund in its fundraising efforts. “Many of our alumni, staff and friends generously support fundraising for our Student Financial Aid Fund,” said Lizzi Nicoll, Head of Development and Alumni Relations.

“We are incredibly grateful to those who made a gift during our Giving Tuesday appeal and our two most recent telephone campaigns,” Lizzi continued. “The generosity and collective passion for helping future generations of students at Dundee has enabled Student Services to make more emergency payments, alleviating student stress and worry.”

_{*Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality.}