The Semester 2 Student Support Fund is a limited pot of money designed to help Home/UK students who find themselves in unexpected financial hardship. We encourage any student with money concerns to submit an application regardless of household income, age, course level, or having made a previous application to the fund.  Ìý
Applications for the Semester 2 Student Support Fund will be acceptedÌýMonday 25 January 9AM – Sunday 30 May 11:59PM
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be:
- currently enrolled
- attending university
- in receipt of the Tuition Fee Loan and means-tested Maintenance Loan from Student Finance (UK) or the NHS equivalent
Students are expected to be in current hardship and without any significant savings when they apply. Your request for financial support can be refused if a high level of savings is available to you. The savings should be used before an application is made.ÌýÌý
Students are eligible to apply in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.Ìý
If you’re unsure if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Semester 2 Student Support Fund, please see our Frequently Asked Questions, book an appointment, or email us at stufunds@soton.ac.uk where we will be happy to discuss all situations. Ìý
Applications
Applications for the Semester 2 Student Support Fund will be accepted Monday 25 January 9AM – Sunday 30 May 11:59PM.ÌýÌý
On average the form takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, depending on your situation. Once an application is received, an advisor will be in touch within 10 working days with either an assessment update or outcome.
We can help with the completion of the application form if you have questions or require additional support. Please book an appointment or email us at stufunds@soton.ac.uk. The are also able to help with completion of the application form and how to gather the appropriate documentation.
Things to note
Have you accessed all statutory funding for which you are eligible?
It is expected that applicants will have done so. This includes having your maintenance loan means-tested so you can receive the highest possible loan amount and possibly become eligible for the undergraduate bursary. If you have not been household income assessed and apply, we may only be able to consider short term support until you have been assessed.
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Do you receive financial support from your family or have personal savings?
The Student Support Fund assessment will typically include all family contributions and savings (for any purpose).
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Have you made use of an interest-free, fee-free overdraft?
These student accounts are typically available to all Home/UK students. Please remember to read your bank's terms and conditions carefully before taking out an overdraft.
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Have you taken a look at your spending recently?
You can download monthly bank statements from online banking. Statements are required for Student Support Fund applications, and they’re also a good way to see where your money goes. When applying, please provide a brief explanation for every £100+ amount that comes into or goes out of your account.
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It is expected that applicants will spend their money in a way that is appropriate for their funding level. This can still include occasional takeaways, coffees or social events.Ìý If your spending on non-essential items is regularly over £100 each week, an advisor may discuss this with you, and your award amount or payment may be altered accordingly.
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Have you sought budgeting advice?
We recommend making a 1:1 appointment with one of helpful budgeting advisors, so you can make the best use of your funding.
Award information
Awards from the Semester 2 Student Support Fund will provide support for the period 25 January – 5 June. The maximum award amount will be £1,710 for the semester.Ìý
Awards are paid directly into the account the University holds for you. Please make sure these details are up to date. To check what details we hold, you will need to access . Click on Personal Information, then ‘Update Payment Details.’ Ìý
Awards do not cover: tuition fees, resit fees, visas and associated costs, or support for family or friends (only for the individual student).
Applications are reviewed in line with Student Support Fund guidelines. Awards are discretionary, and we cannot guarantee one will be granted.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÌý
For more information about eligibility and the application, or the assessment and outcome process, please see our Student Support Fund Frequently Asked Questions below: Ìý
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