Financial hardship and underrepresented student applications are now open. Start your application.

Application information and criteria

A limited number of bedspaces at Scape Hammersmith are reserved each year for continuing undergraduate students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship. These bedspaces are allocated separately from the main continuing student lottery and are assessed against specific eligibility criteria.

Applications for spaces on evidenced financial hardship grounds 2026-27 will open alongside the general application via a separate route on Friday 13 March and close at 17.00 on Friday 27 March.  All applications, including evidence, must be fully submitted by the deadline.

We are unable to accept late applications or consider evidence provided after the closing date.

Underrepresented students

Students who are part of recognised underrepresented groups will also be considered via this route due to the increased financial vulnerability associated with these circumstances. Imperial's definitions for each are available online at Underrepresented Students Support webpage.

Students from the following backgrounds are eligible to apply on this criteria:

  • Students who are care-experienced
  • Students estranged from their parents
  • Students who have caring responsibilities for a family member
  • Refugees and asylum seekers, or with another forced migration background

Applications received under the underrepresented student criteria will be shared with the Underrepresented Students Support team, who will confirm eligibility. You must register with the service and meet with the team to confirm your status.

If you previously had your status verified by the Underrepresented Students Support Team, you shouldn’t need to do so again. If you are unsure, contact the team on urs-support@imperial.ac.uk.

You do not need to reach out to the team if you are applying on financial hardship eligibility only. 

 

Application information

Eligibility and evidence requirements

To be considered for a financial hardship bedspace, applicants must meet at least one of the defined eligibility criteria and provide supporting evidence, including bank statements, as part of their application. Evidence, including bank statements, will be requested within the application form and must be submitted before the deadline.

Students with medical or wellbeing requirements will have the opportunity to disclose any details relevant to a potential allocation. This information will be used solely to understand any support or adjustments you may require if your application is successful. Sharing information about a medical condition, disability, or access requirement will not impact the likelihood of receiving an accommodation offer, nor can we guarantee it will secure a particular hall or room type in the event your application is successful.

Tiers of consideration

Applications are assessed using a tiered framework and must meet at least one of the defined eligibility criteria. Meeting the criteria for a particular tier will not guarantee an offer, but will determine the level of consideration your application receives.

Tier of consideration

 Criteria

High
  • Students with household incomes between £40,000-£70,000 who receive an Imperial bursary and can demonstrate financial hardship.
  • Students from underrepresented groups (forced migrant, care-experienced estranged, young carer) who are registered with the Underrepresented Students Support team.

Medium
  • Students with household incomes below £40,000 who receive the full Imperial bursary.
  • Students who can evidence a significant and unexpected change in financial circumstances.

General
  • Applicants who do not meet the thresholds above but can demonstrate financial difficulty.
Important information
  • This application route is solely for continuing undergraduate students who will be registered for the entirety of the licence period and have evidence of financial hardship or are supported by the Underrepresented Student Support team. Postgraduate students, and students currently in the final year of their studies are not eligible to apply.
  • Financial hardship bedspaces are available only at Scape Hammersmith.
  • The number of available bedspaces is limited and offers cannot be guaranteed.
  • The application window is open for two weeks (13–27 March). It does not matter when you apply within this period, as long as your application and all required evidence are submitted before the closing date.
  • Each application cycle is assessed independently, so students currently living in Scape on financial hardship grounds must submit a new application each year. Previously living in Scape will not increase or reduce the likelihood of receiving an offer.
  • Students applying through the financial hardship route may also submit a general application for continuing undergraduate halls on Acchub. This is encouraged, as it means students who are not allocated a bedspace on financial hardship grounds can still be considered through the lottery system.
After you apply

Once applications close at 17.00 on Friday 27 March, all submitted evidence will be reviewed and assessed according to the tiered framework. Offers will be made only to eligible applicants within the available capacity.  We cannot accept additional information or applications after the deadline. We hope to send offers beginning mid-late May, once this process is complete, we will notify anyone who has been unsuccessful via email.