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Supporting student hardships

284425
Edward Mendoza in the studio
Written by
Katherine Proudlove
Published date
25 March 2021

How you can help support students from all backgrounds to flourish.

In these exceptional times, it’s never been more difficult to be a student. Over the past 18 months, University of the Arts London (UAL) has released £2.3 million in dedicated hardship support to our students, but we would still like to do more. Current estimates put London living costs at £16,000 per annum, an amount that makes studying at UAL impossible for those that do not have financial assistance.

To help break down these barriers we’ve established two ways to support our students.

UAL Creative Future Fund

The first is the UAL Creative Future Fund to ensure that talented people have access to a creative education, regardless of their background. The Fund will be channelled towards supporting some of the most disadvantaged students to enter our programmes with bursaries that prioritise those who are first in their family to attend university, looked after children, care leavers, and from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The more money we raise, the more students we can support, and donations of all sizes are very much appreciated and collectively, can be transformational.

I wanted to be an example to other people who have been in care or have had hardships in their life to show them, if I could graduate and complete my course, that they can also follow their dreams and aspirations.

— UAL bursary recipient

Support through volunteering

Alumni can also provide invaluable support to students by volunteering their time. Last year our amazing alumni community volunteered over 6,000 hours of their time to current students and fellow alumni, whilst learning new skills, networking and helping others discover their potential. Whether you're a recent graduate or you've reached the pinnacle of your career, we would love you to get involved.

Volunteering is an opportunity to meet amazing people; it provides the space for people who have the common link of being graduates of UAL, to develop their connections, and is a really rewarding experience.

Linett Kamala, President of the UAL Alumni of Colour Association
To find out more about how you can support UAL students, email: alumni@arts.ac.uk

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