A St Andrews University student who came to Fife from Slovakia to follow her dreams fears she will have to drop out because the costs of accommodation are too high.
Nina Bartak, 19, is studying psychology at the Fife university, having struggled with depression for six years before deciding to help other people suffering mental health issues.
After being hit with a bill of around £6,000 for one year of living in university accommodation, Ms Bartak has launched her own online fundraising page in a bid to stay on her programme.
She said: “I love it so much because it was always my dream to study in Scotland and generally get the best education possible.
“But I was worried about coming here due to money and now, as it turned out, I was right. My tuition fee is paid by the Student Awards Agency Scotland, which I am so grateful for.
“But the accommodation prices here are unbelievably high for me, and that’s the part I am unable to manage on my own. I am looking for a job but St Andrews is a really small town.
“I do have some life savings, but all of them are already almost gone, all spent on coming here and paying for the first semester.”
Ms Bartak revealed her family’s financial situation was poor as her mother is disabled and she does not live with her father.
She said Slovakia does not offer any scholarships and she has no access to a student loan because she is from the European Union.
“It feels like a dream came true but now it is disappearing fast.
“I did not expect that I will have to leave because I don’t have money to pay for accommodation. I am trying everything because I know I will not get another chance for such a great education.
“It is the best thing that ever happened to me, to get accepted at such an amazing university and have the opportunity to study here. I really don’t want to lose it.”
A spokesman for the St Andrews University said it offers accommodation support packages but Nina did not apply.
He said: “In the last three months alone, more than 100 accommodation awards, each of £1,500 have been made to our students. In addition, around 40 new students have been awarded a General Wardlaw scholarship worth up to £3000 to assist with accommodation costs. These scholarships follow our students throughout their four-year degree course at St Andrews.
“A separate accommodation hardship fund is available to students and is advertised in halls of residence and via memos to all undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“Although we cannot comment in detail on this case, our Student Services team has met Nina on two occasions to discuss her situation to provide advice in an effort to secure further financial support, and we are meeting her again.”
