WHAT IF...
...you'd never been able to study at Imperial?
Do you ever wonder how different your life would be if you hadn't studied at Imperial? If you hadn't had access to the specialist knowledge, world-leading research and unique opportunities available here?
I can’t imagine my life today without Imperial featuring in my past because the lessons I learnt, both in and out of the classroom, shaped the person I am today.
I'm Dr Luke McCrone, a Research Associate here at Imperial and a Geology graduate, class of 2015.
Not only did Imperial provide me with a world-class education, it gave me the chance to explore, dream and discover. It’s where I made life-long friends from around the globe, where I felt part of a close-knit community in the heart of a bustling capital city,
and where I truly learnt the value of hard work to achieve my goals.
Imperial is also where I still feel at home as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship. In this role I explore the importance of the Imperial bursary and our student experience, so I hear from students every
day about the positive impact Imperial is having on their lives too.
But I also see first-hand how they’re struggling to cope as the cost of living in London has soared by 20% over the last two years.
Sadly, a growing number of students are now unable to make ends meet. Their financial worries keep them up at night and threaten their chances of success.
What if you could make sure that a student doesn't miss out on their Imperial education? Will you give £45 to help them reach their potential and achieve their dreams?
In recent years, we’ve seen a steady rise in the number of students who can’t afford to live near campus, join societies or participate in extra experiences at Imperial. They’re doing everything they can to stay afloat, but they’re sacrificing so much in the process.
I really feel for them because I was once where they are now. When I left a working class community in Birmingham to start my studies at Imperial over 10 years ago, I wanted to make the most of every new opportunity. But I also worried about money. How could I participate fully and live in one of the world’s most expensive cities when my finances were so tight? It was a real source of stress.
Just like many of today’s students, my time at Imperial was only made possible
thanks to the kind alumni community. Someone in that community — someone
like you — made a donation which helped to fund my bursary and, for that, I am extremely grateful.
It undoubtedly changed my life.
Receiving financial support allowed me to put that wasted worry and energy into focusing on my degree. It gave me a real sense of freedom, enabling me to live in Halls without feeling different from my peers. The bursary levelled the playing field and helped to set me up for my entire future.
What if you could give a student that same freedom today?
Your £45 gift could ease their money worries and give them the means to thrive. Just like us, today’s Imperial students want to give their all to their studies and you’ll remember there’s little time to find paid work so it’s especially tough for students who can’t turn to their families for financial support – like second-year medical student, Isra.
Isra’s parents are refugees and she spent her childhood being moved in and out of temporary accommodation. Despite the upheaval and uncertainty that featured throughout her childhood, Isra worked hard at school, excelled academically and planned for a more secure future.
Not long before Isra was due to begin studying Medicine at Imperial, her family
had to contest another eviction notice. Her dream of becoming a doctor felt so fragile and she had no idea how she could afford to take up her place to study medicine in central London.
Thanks to the kindness of someone like you, Isra’s hopes for the future weren’t dashed. She was given financial assistance and was able to dive into her studies without worrying about money. As she explains:
It was such a relief— it meant everything to me. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t worried about my financial situation and it gave me the best start at Imperial. It’s such a generous gift and the fact that my bursary is funded by a member of the alumni community means even more. I’m so grateful to have the chance to focus on my studies knowing that someone is backing me to succeed.”
With your £45 gift, students like Isra can overcome the challenges that stand in
their way of success. You’ll give them the chance to grow, learn and leap towards their future.
Isra is just one of many Imperial students who need financial assistance. In fact, requests for hardship support have risen by 500% compared to pre-pandemic years and a third of all home students now receive the bursary. Of those, 40% receive the full £5,000 a year. We’re proud that Imperial offers one of the most generous student assistance schemes across the UK which is only possible thanks to kind gifts from alumni.
But this surge in demand means our funds are running out faster than in previous years and we’re relying on generous friends, like you, to step in.
We passionately believe that Imperial must be a home for all students who earn their place to study here. They shouldn’t be held back because they’ve had a difficult start in life and no student should have to leave Imperial because they can’t afford to stay — with your support, they won’t have to.
Thank you so much for any gift you are able to give today. Without donations from generous alumni like you, I wouldn't be able to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. I'll never forget your kindness."
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