Marjon announces new bursary to address cost of living for students

Released: 03.05.23

Plymouth Marjon University has announced a new accommodation bursary for first-year undergraduate students who might experience financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living crisis in 2023-24. 

The bursary will be available to those students who are in receipt of the maximum government Maintenance Loan, which is typically for households with an income of less than £25,000. This bursary, worth £1000, will be applied to the students' rent in university accommodation, reducing the amount they need to pay. 

The aim of this bursary is to support those students who may otherwise not be able to attend university due to financial difficulties by subsidising their living costs. With around 460 beds in 81 student homes on the Marjon Campus, there are plenty of options for students to choose from, including halls of residence with 4-8 other students in a flat.

Professor Michelle Jones, Interim Vice-Chancellor at Marjon, said: 

“At Marjon, we recognise the financial struggles that many of our students face daily. We pride ourselves on ensuring that every student has fair access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background and wider circumstances. I am proud to introduce this new student accommodation bursary, which will provide much-needed support to those from lower-income households and help ease the burden of the current cost-of-living crisis where students appear to have been forgotten. Our hope is that this initiative will make a tangible difference to our students and enable them to achieve their full potential here at university.” 

The cost of a standard room in the halls is £113 per week, which includes bills such as electricity, broadband, and maintenance. By living on campus, students benefit from having all the University has to offer at their fingertips whilst enjoying the full experience of university life. 

There are 50 bursaries available, so students are encouraged to apply early to ensure they are eligible. To qualify, students need to provide a copy of their Student Finance Entitlement letter confirming their full Maintenance Loan of the maximum amount. This bursary is available only to first-year undergraduate students who live on campus in the 2023-24 academic year and who meet the eligibility criteria. 

The bursary will be paid to students in two instalments, with each instalment being applied to their second and third rent payments, due in January and April respectively.  

When applying for on-site student accommodation, students need to pay a £250 deposit which is returned to them at the end of their tenancy. In addition to the bursary, Marjon will also delay this deposit payment until a student has received their first maintenance loan if the student is in a period of financial hardship. To find out more about this option, students should contact accommodation@marjon.ac.uk.  

Plymouth Marjon University is committed to supporting its students in every way possible. With this new bursary, the University hopes to provide financial assistance to students who need it most and to encourage them to live on campus and make the most of their university experience.