I lost my home but want to study

Hi, I’m Michelle!

We lost our home in December, 2015 right before Christmas. My family could not afford to keep up with our mortgage payments so the state has auctioned off our house and has literally put us out on the street. Since then I live with my grandparents apart from my two brothers and parents who currently rent a very small (37 m²) apartment in the poorest district of Budapest, Hungary. The events have shocked us all, but we are trying to be positive and hope that soon we will be able to get back on our feet.

I am graduating this year from high school and I am planning to continue my studies in the United Kingdom. Recently I became an offer holder to the University of Warwick to the degree course Politics and International Studies. I was very happy for getting the possibility of studying the field which I have always had passion for. I thought there was nothing that could stop me halfway reaching my goal, but unfortunately there is: money.

Studying in the UK is pretty expensive, especially if you’re Hungarian and your family’s annual income is under 5000£. This counts low in my country, but is extremely low compared to the UK’s average salary which is 26500£. Therefore my family is unable to support my studies.

The tuition fee costs 9000£ but I can apply for a loan to cover the full amount, however I am not likely to get any financial aid on the accommodation fee and living costs since I am not a home student.

As I have calculated I will collect enough money with taking on a part-time job while studying to pay for the second term’s accommodation fee, but I really need help for paying the first term’s which is approximately 1500£. Moreover I’m in necessity of a laptop for being able to prepare to lessons, doing projects and writing dissertations.

The reason I decided not to study in Hungary is that this course is taught on a much higher level in the UK, and the Anglo-Saxon educational system is exceptionally personal and gives the students the opportunity doing their own research. In addition by living in a different country in an international ambience I could see more of the world and would become richer with a lifelong experience.

I truly hope that financial issues will not prevent me from accepting this offer.

Thank you for reading my story, extra thanks if you help me out so I can go to university! :)

(You can read my personal statement enclosed if you are interested)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwoNmlBEtOeQUVNvV...