SOAS marks milestone supporting over 100 students via accommodation charity
SOAS has marked 25 years in partnership with International Students House (ISH) - a charity that provides accommodation, scholarships and hardship funds to support those in need, and cultural activities to foster an international community.
SOAS is one of 13 universities supporting ISH scholarships, and since the year 2000, has provided 113 joint scholarships for students from 40 nationalities, plus a further four fully funded by SOAS.
With reports of two-thirds of students feeling lonely or isolated in university halls, services provided by ISH are increasingly essential. The transformational impact of ISH has been shared by SOAS students.
International Students House became a second home for me and my peer group, taught me about building meaningful relationships, and creating a sense of community in the heart of a busy city.
Adrija Chaudhury, MA Development Studies graduate, said: “I was immensely privileged to be granted accommodation at the wonderful International Students House. ISH became a second home for me and my peer group, taught me about building meaningful relationships, and creating a sense of community in the heart of a busy city. The mutual care that we fostered was my pillar of support during challenging times.”
Similarly, Apala Mandal, MA Migration and Diaspora Studies graduate, said: “I was able to take up residence at the International Students House, such an incredibly giving and loving home. I was right next to campus, I didn’t have to worry about travel costs, I had healthy, nutritious food, I had a community to eat, laugh and travel with and I was next door to Regent’s Park. Spending a whole year away from my family was challenging. It was my new friends who pulled me through. The ISH community was invaluable.”
ISH provides free or discounted accommodation for scholars studying at its partner universities, of which SOAS is one. The scholarships give students the opportunity to live at ISH and develop the skills, knowledge and connections they need to succeed.
