SUPPORTING SUCCESS
Through the Forever Surrey Fund
THE COST OF LEARNING CRISIS THE NATIONAL PICTURE
Across the country, students are experiencing a perfect storm of adverse factors, which is endangering their chance of success at university.
Research published by the Higher Education Policy Institute has found that maintenance support for students outside London was worth 74% of the standard minimum income in 2010. Due to inflation the value of the maintenance loan now stands at only 55%. To match inflation, the average maintenance loan should be almost £2,000 higher.
A 2023 national survey by “Save the Student” shows us that the average student’s monthly living costs have increased by 17% since 2022, up from £924 to £1,078.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), over three-quarters of students are “concerned” rising costs may leave them unable to complete their studies. With student maintenance loans not increasing in line with inflation, many students are left without the opportunity to pursue their education and achieve their potential.
We know that this financial climate is having a direct impact on dropout rates. In the 2022-23 academic year, across UK universities 41,630 students withdrew from courses, compared to 32,491 in 2018-19.
41,630
2022-23 Students withdrawing from courses across UK universities 32,491
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SURREY?
Thanks to the generous support of alumni like you, we were able to increase the grants given from the Forever Surrey Fund towards hardship from £70,000 in 2022/23 to £100,000 this academic year.
However, even with this increased funding, we cannot keep up with the dramatic rise in hardship applications. This time last year there were 208 applications to the Forever Surrey Fund, but this year it has increased to 330 students. This is an almost 60% increase in applications.
2023/24
We also know that 66% of applicants to the Forever Surrey Fund come from underrepresented groups – this may include being from an area of high deprivation, being a young carer or a care leaver. These personal circumstances pose additional challenges to our students, and further increases their likelihood of dropping out.
This July thousands of future medics, actors, midwives, scientists and business leaders will graduate from your university. No-one should have to leave Surrey without fulfilling their potential. This is why we are asking for your help.
Give students the support they need to graduate with a gift of £5 a month to the Forever Surrey Fund.
FROM STUDENT TO SUPPORTER
FOLARIN’S STORY
Folarin Oyeleye
BSc Electronic Engineering, 2005
Hi, I’m Folarin Oyeleye, and I completed my BSc in Electronic Engineering at the University of Surrey in 2005.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Having moved from Lagos at age 17, I found my way to Surrey and loved it from day one. Alongside my studies, I took every opportunity to get involved with the Surrey community and eventually became the President of the Students’ Union from 2005-2006. Through these experiences, I began to understand the importance of giving back, and worked hard to develop a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. During those life shaping experiences at Surrey, one thing was consistent. Hardship.
At the time, the Hardship Fund did not support international students like myself and I had to work part time jobs during weekends and holidays to make ends meet. Fortunately, this has now changed.
Today, I live in London with my wife and two children, and work as a Managing Director at J.P Morgan Private Bank. Nearly 20 years on from my graduation, I have continued my connection with Surrey, and am proud to be part of the alumni community.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
I know firsthand how transformative a Surrey education can be, so every year since graduation, I have donated to support students. Especially those in hardship. At first, I couldn’t afford to give much, but I knew that even a small donation becomes a valuable contribution for an important purpose - empowering the next generation of students.
Time and time again, the alumni community has come together to support students through turbulent times, and I know this is a moment where we can make a difference.
Giving every student a chance to fulfil their potential is one of my strongest beliefs, and I know one that many in our alumni community share. I hope that you will join me, by giving back today to create a fairer tomorrow.
JANE’S STORY
Jane Biscombe MSc Water and Environmental Engineering, 1999
Hi, I’m Jane and I completed my MSc in Water and Environmental Engineering at Surrey in 1999. I am currently Chief Executive at Weymouth Town Council.
TURNING POINT
When I was undertaking my masters at Surrey, I had a young child, and I struggled financially to balance study, work and childcare. I applied for hardship funding. I didn’t feel I was the sort of person who should be applying, mainly because I felt there were perhaps more deserving causes. I remember being blown away when I got a letter back informing me that the Hardship Fund would pay my childcare costs for the rest of the course. I was in tears because I feared
I may have to leave Surrey without completing my master’s. This funding meant there was someone out there who cared and valued what I was trying to do and wanted to help me succeed.
Without it, I’d have seriously considered dropping out and walking away without any form of qualification. The piece of paper that I left Surrey with opened the doors to so many roles. I was so lucky someone helped me at that point in my life. It enabled me to get where I am today. I’m successful in my field, I have a great job and, even better, I do something I love.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
I donate as I want to give that opportunity back to somebody else. I want to give someone else the chance to have a shot at getting where they want to be in life.
Now, with children of my own who have been through university, I know how the pressure of mounting debt can weigh heavy on people’s minds.
The financial pressures on students today are far greater than they were when I was at Surrey, meaning the Forever Surrey Fund is more important now than it ever was.
THEO’S* STORY
Amidst the challenges of the current cost of living crisis, generosity of alumni like you had been a beacon of hope for students on campus.
To the alumni who support the Forever Surrey Fund: thank you for making a difference in my life. I aspire to contribute to the fund in the future, to continue to support students who follow in my footsteps at Surrey.
During his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Theo found himself in financial difficulties due to unforeseen personal and family circumstances. He sought support through the Forever Surrey Fund and secured a grant which enabled him to successfully complete his courses.
In 2023, Theo graduated from Surrey with a master’s degree and is now working in the hospitality sector.
Without the Forever Surrey Fund, talented students like Theo would miss out on the opportunity to complete their education at Surrey and thrive in the working world.
*Name has been changed.
STUDENT ESSENTIALS
In 2022, according to Save the Student, the average student’s maintenance loan fell short of covering their living costs by £439 a month. In 2023, this shortfall was even greater at £582 per month.
The Forever Surrey Fund bridges the financial gap for students in need with their essential costs. Per month, Surrey students face costs of:
£80 for an average utilities bill.
£90 towards the cost of essential travel, stationery and course books.
£150 per month is an average student grocery spend.
£600 is the average rental cost for students in Guildford.
Every donation brings us a step closer to ensuring that every student is supported, no matter what. By giving a gift of £50 you can ensure that together, we can help students achieve their potential at Surrey.
YOUR SUPPORT. THEIR FUTURE.
I want you to know that my life and career has been impacted positively and forever changed because of your kind donations and generosity.
George, BSc Accounting and
Finance
I couldn’t find the words to thank donors to the Forever Surrey Fund for everything they’ve done. Their donations have massively supported me and without them, I don’t think I would be where I am now.
Sydney, BVMSci Veterinary Medicine and Science
Thank you. Many students can’t finish their studies due to financial problems and they have the potential to do really good things. Without your help, I would have been alone in England worrying about money.
Pamela, BSc Microbiology
If I hadn’t received this support, I can’t even begin to comprehend what would have happened in my life. My sincere gratitude for this fantastic support.
Robina, MSc Advanced Geotechnical Engineering