FREE STUDENT MEALS (FSM) Students may be entitled to Free Student Meals at college if the household receives certain benefits. If a student is eligible for Free Student Meals, the allowance will be uploaded to the student’s college ID card every timetabled day. The allowance can be spent in the college refectories on food and drink.
HSDC understand that some passes may still be cheaper if purchased through the College but would advise all students and parent/carers to investigate the 16-17 Saver before purchasing a college train pass. For further information on the 16-17 Railcard, please go to the website https://www.16-17saver. co.uk/ COLLEGE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME Students may be eligible for support from the College’s Financial Assistance Scheme, if they or their household is in receipt of an income based benefit. Once an application form has been completed, and an eligible benefit seen and approved, the college may financially help the student with: • A college-bought bus pass or a contribution towards a train pass • Essential equipment, clothing and kit (depending on the course of study) • Specified books relating to the course • UCAS administration fees when progressing to university • Part refund of travel expenses for up to three ‘University Open Day’ visits or a part refund towards audition fees. • Day trips or residentials that have a strong link to the curriculum criteria • Financial assistance with childcare fees whilst attending the course College financial assistance is a limited fund of money that offers no guaranteed right to assistance. HSDC reserves the right to change items listed based on funding available.
DISCRETIONARY FINANCIAL SUPPORT HSDC recognises that there are some circumstances where a student may be experiencing financial difficulty, but the
household is not in receipt of an income-based benefit. The College may be able to help with some college related costs if students are facing financial barriers to learning. Please speak to the Student Travel & Support team for further advice. All discretionary applications are assessed by each individual case and appropriate evidence will need to be supplied. VULNERABLE BURSARY Students who meet one of the four criteria below and who have a financial need, can apply for a bursary of up to £1,200 per year. If eligible for the vulnerable bursary, essential college costs such as bus pass, equipment or uniform can be taken from this amount, leaving the remainder to be paid into the student’s bank account on a weekly basis if the student has attended 100% of their classes and abides by the College’s rules and behaviour standards. Weekly payments are made during term time only. The defined vulnerable groups are students who are: • In care • Care leavers Receiving Income Support/Universal Credit in their own name because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child.
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