Alumni and donors to Newcastle University can double the difference they make when supporting students struggling with the rising cost of living this winter, with £50,000 of match-funding pledged by the Newcastle University Development Trust for all donations made between 6 November – 6 January.
Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of ending. Inflation continues to push grocery prices higher, rents are on the rise, and as temperatures begin to drop, many Newcastle University students are faced with making a choice between keeping warm or going hungry.
Students are juggling multiple jobs and going without essential items to keep afloat, often to the detriment of their learning (Higher Education Policy Institute, Student Academic Experience Survey 2023). Those worst affected don’t have a support network or family to provide a safety net and turn to when they need help the most.
58% of students have said that their student loans no longer covered their living expenses, and 32% of new arrivals to Newcastle University are from under-privileged backgrounds – and most vulnerable to rising costs.
As well as impacting their learning, the stress of ever-depleting budgets is also having a detrimental effect on students’ mental health, with 9 out of 10 reporting that they are worried about the rising cost of living and just under half stating their mental wellbeing has worsened since the beginning of the year (ONS Student Cost of Living Insights Study, 2023).
To support students struggling with these rising costs, the Newcastle University Development Trust have pledged £50,000 to match donations made to the Newcastle Student Fund this winter. All donations made between 6 November 2023 – 6 January 2024 will be doubled, meaning that for every £1 donated, £2 will go to help a Newcastle University student in need.
We are delighted to offer money from the Newcastle University Development Trust that will match your donation pound for pound meaning your donation today will have twice the impact and help twice the student recipients at no extra cost to you. Together we will give that vital support to Newcastle University students when they need it most. Thank you for your generosity.
Hilary Parker, Chair of Trustees, Newcastle University Development Trust
The difference you can make
Thanks to the generosity of our existing donor community, vital additional measures have already been put in place to help students this winter. The doubled-up donations made this winter will ensure:
- Subsidised travel costs for students so they can attend internships and placements to take the first step in their careers.
- Participation Bursaries for students to join Student Union clubs, societies and sports.
- A Student Union foodbank is stocked and available to all that need it, alongside free communal microwaves on campus.
- Increased emergency hardship grants to help students struggling to pay rent and other essential bills.
- More free e-books and resources available from our library so students who can’t afford to purchase them don’t miss out on their learning.
For those who are thinking about supporting students like me, it’s important to realise that not only does your support help in the short-term, but it also has a longer-term and more significant impact too. It has helped with my confidence in making applications for further study, and by enabling me to attend conferences it has helped to make some inroads into what my future career is going to look like. So, whilst it's helping me today, it’s also providing the foundations for later on in life.
Rebecca Williams, History student
Support struggling students this winter
Support struggling students this winter
Naomi Oosman-Watts, Director of Student Life at Newcastle University, said:
“We don’t want any student to miss out on what makes belonging to Newcastle University so special. With the help of our supporters, we can create opportunities for everyone to succeed, unlocking education for the next generation of future leaders - regardless of their background - and ensuring they are prepared for the working world.
We know this winter will be difficult for many. But if you can help, please join your fellow alumni and support the future generation of Newcastle graduates during this challenging time.”
To make the most of this match-funding opportunity and to support the future generation of Newcastle graduates during the rising cost of living, please visit supportus.ncl.ac.uk/winter