This academic year has been difficult from the very start – with no end in sight for the pandemic it was clear that it was going to be a year like no other, but none of us expected to still be having this conversation in January! Following guidance from government, the University and various accommodation providers welcomed us all back in September – many of us signed rental contracts on the understanding that we would still benefit from the full student experience, even if it was a little delayed or different at the start.

The nature of the pandemic and the government guidance has shifted so many times since then – we have whiplash from all the u-turns! Before Christmas, students were suddenly told to vacate their term-time accommodation early; then last week told not to return until mid-February. The government has been characteristically quiet on the matter of rent, but like students up and down the country, I agree that paying for term-time accommodation we are not legally permitted to occupy is outrageous.

As with the ‘no detriment’ policy last semester, the University have been open and eager to talk to us about what students need during this disrupted year, and we are so pleased to be able to tell you about a new financial support package for students in rented accommodation.

Before Christmas, I approached the University’s senior management with a request for a significant sum of money for students financially affected by the pandemic, but specifically those having to pay for accommodation they couldn’t use. The University agreed to the request, and as things have changed and progressed in the last week have further increased the sum of money so that it is now able to support any student who is struggling because of this unfair rent situation. I know from personal experience and from speaking to many of you that maintenance loans often don’t cover rent, and most students rely on part-time jobs to survive – jobs that have disappeared because of the pandemic! No student should be in financial hardship, and this new fund will ensure support is available.

So, I'm pleased to present the Covid Relief Fund! Open from Monday 18 Jan, find out all the details you need to know to get access to support, here: bit.ly/35vje9k

In the meantime, for students who need immediate support, you can access the Salford support fund (for home and EU students) here: https://testlivesalfordac.sharepoint.com/sites/Uos_Students/SitePages/Salford-Support-Fund.aspx

And for international students, an international support fund, here: https://www.salford.ac.uk/askus/support/international-support-fund

As your President, I will fight for students struggling during this period and continue to offer as much support as I can.

Thanks,

Temi