Free Laptops For Less Privileged Students

14 Dec 2009

Six students at The University of Manchester have been awarded a free laptop computer this week as part of a newly introduced initiative.

‘The Halls Laptop Bursary’, introduced this academic year, offers students from less advantaged backgrounds the opportunity to gain a laptop free of charge to aid their studies during their time at University and beyond. 

Every student moving into University of Manchester accommodation are being given the opportunity to be considered for the Halls Laptop Bursary by selecting an option box during the application process. A bursary trustee group then assesses the applications and decides who the worthy winners will be.

The department for Sport, Trading and Residential Services at the University, known as STARS, conducted a student survey in 2007-08, which highlighted that a notable number of students are unable to study in their halls of residence because they cannot afford to buy a personal computer. As a result of this, further research was undertaken to identify what impact this had on student learning and modern social interaction and the Halls Laptop Bursary initiative was born out of the feedback received.

The ‘Your Manchester Fund’ is generously financing the project for the first five years and it is hoped that after this period the scheme will become self-financing.

The Your Manchester Fund was created thanks to the charitable support of alumni of the University who make donations to a variety of aspects, from scholarships to student equipment.

Halls Laptop Bursary representative Dr Crispin Bloomfield said:

“We’re confident that the HLB project will maximise the students’ learning experience as it facilitates IT access, mobile learning, enhances learning experiences and integrates students into contemporary digital society.”

Two more students will be awarded a laptop through the scheme in the coming weeks.