Activity Hardship Fund
Bristol SU recognise that membership fees, events, kit and other student group costs can be prohibitively expensive for some students.
The Activity Hardship Fund was created to support these students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in their chosen activity due to the cost.
Any University of Bristol Student can apply for the fund.
You can apply for up to £200 a year to enable you get involved with Bristol SU student societies and activities, if there is a financial barrier preventing.
Criteria
Applications must:
- Be from University of Bristol students, submitted by the individual student, not on their behalf
- Apply for funding to enable their participation in a Bristol SU student group e.g. membership fees, trip costs or the purchase of equipment or kit specifically required for the activity
- Be in genuine financial hardship and unable to participate without the assistance of the Activity Hardship Fund
- Only apply for up to £200 each academic year. This can be split across multiple rounds but cannot exceed £200 in total.
We strongly advise that you do not apply for funding for something you will have to pay for before the grants are allocated, as we cannot guarantee that your application will be successful.
How to Apply
When you are applying for the fund – please give a clear breakdown of what you will use the funds for e.g.
Example:
£20 for essential kit +
£20 for essential equipment +
£60 for membership fees =
£100 total
Please complete the application form:
Key Dates 2025/26
Round 1
- Applications open: Monday 22nd September
- Applications close: Monday 6th October at 5pm
Round 2
- Applications open: Monday 27th October
- Applications close: Monday 10th November at 5pm
Round 3
- Applications open: Monday 12th January
- Applications close: Monday 26th January at 5pm
Round 4
- Applications open: Monday 2nd March
- Applications close: Monday 16th March at 5pm
All applicants will receive a decision by email, giving the reason why the application was approved or rejected in the week after the deadline (at the latest).
The decision-making panel comprises a Student Development Coordinator, the Sports and Student Development Officer and the Union Affairs Officer.
Please note that due to limited funding available to the panel, the application process is competitive as the panel is unable to fund every application. In addition, we have a limited amount of money to award each year so even if your application is successful, you may not be given the full amount requested.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact bristol-su@bristol.ac.uk
Top Tips
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my personal statement?
Depending on your form responses, you may have an option to include a personal statement (up to 100 words) for the panel to consider.
Please give as many details as you feel comfortable to share. You may wish to include:
- Barriers you face that prevent you from getting a part-time job
- Information around any family support you may or may not receive
- Details on how your financial situation may have changed
- Any other relevant information surrounding your financial hardship
Please note that we are not able to accept expensive Bristol housing as a factor towards financial hardship.
Can I apply again if my application is unsuccessful?
Yes! There are 4 rounds/opportunities in each academic year to apply.
