Support Manchester students through the rising cost-of-living

Over the last few years, the cost of being a student has skyrocketed. And sadly, for many students, this increased financial pressure is not sustainable.

That’s why it’s important that we offer hardship support to every student who needs it. Applications have nearly doubled since 2021, as more than ever need financial support to carry on their studies. The stark increase in applications year on year shows the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. And it shows just what a difference supporters like you can make to students’ lives.

Supporting students from all backgrounds

At The University of Manchester, one in four undergraduates comes from a low-income background.

Sadly, those from disadvantaged backgrounds are most likely to be affected by rising prices. When your family can’t provide you with financial support, student loans need to stretch even further. For some, it can make a university education feel impossible – no matter how talented they are.

Help every student thrive

When we think of the ‘essentials’, we think of rent, bills and groceries. But there are other ‘essentials’ to the university experience that students are going without.

When students are worried about making ends meet, there’s no way they can perform at their best. And they can’t take part in the clubs, societies and volunteering programmes which define the university experience.

Demand is rising

Over the past year, more than 1,000 students applied for donor-funded hardship grants – more than ever before. And there’s no doubt that demand will continue to be incredibly high throughout 2025. It’s so important that every student who needs help can receive it.

The University is doing everything possible to keep students warm and fed. From cosy spaces on campus where students can study and socialise without having to worry about heating bills to free hot showers on campus and food from the Community Fridge. But with the number of students in need rising, more has to be done to ensure every student is supported.

Your fundraising will deliver the practical help students need to make the most of their time here, by increasing the size of our hardship fund to keep up with rising demand. Please join the Purplewave today to make sure no student is left behind.

We are taking on Purplewave 2025 to make sure no student is left behind.

And did you know you can take part in the Purplewave as a team?

To enter:

Share the event page with friends, colleagues, or family who you think would want to form a team. Each person must individually sign up and create their own fundraising page.

Assign a team leader. This person will ‘create a team’ to join the fundraising pages together.

Every member of the team must be fundraising for the same cause.

Every member of the team must hit the minimum £60 target.

The team which raises the most money by 31 May will win a £150 UoM hospitality on campus voucher, so you can celebrate your achievement together.