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When his laptop crashed, Konark Karna feared he wouldn’t be able to graduate

Konark, from New Delhi in Northern India, had been working two days a week to supplement his income whilst studying for an MSc in Advanced Computer Science. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he was unable to continue his part-time work, leaving him with little money to spare.  

Living in student accommodation in the city centre meant he found himself alone as many of his friends had returned home to be with their families. When his laptop crashed, he struggled to access online learning and felt cut off from his family and friends back home.  

Konark knew that he needed a new laptop to continue his studies. However, as he had lost his part-time jobs, he was unable to afford one. Fortunately, he received support from the University’s COVID-19 Hardship Fund to enable him to purchase a replacement. As a result of this support, he completed his online courses and submitted his dissertation. He is now looking to progress to a PhD. 

Konark shared, “Last year, I thought I’d move back to India after my MSc but I’m getting used to life here now. I’m looking forward to graduating and taking on tomorrow.”