The University of Lincoln has issued an appeal to its former students requesting donations to support current students who are facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an email sent out to alumni, the university said it had seen an 'unprecedented' number of applications since the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis, due to many losing their source of income from part-time work and the additional challenges of studying remotely.

The university says it is doing everything it can to help students who are struggling, including cancelling accommodation payments due for the coming term, but that there are still students who need help.

Donations will be added into the Student Hardship Fund, which is there to give those students access to urgent financial support, with Santander Bank agreeing to match all gifts up to £25,000.

However, there have been some former students who have come forward to say they felt 'put out' by the request, after having only recently left university saddled with thousands of pounds worth of student debt.

One graduate, who wished to remain anonymous, said he felt the request was a 'slap in the face' after graduating in 2017 with over £40k in tuition fees and maintenance loans to repay.

He said: "I studied business at the university and graduated in 2017.

"I'm currently working in my hometown of Derby, but not really earning enough to have a surplus of income each month.

"I feel it's a little cheeky and a slap in the face to be asking us to donate, given how much we're already charged to go to university and how much debt I now have to pay back."

The university says that the email was sent out to all those who had elected to be kept informed as alumni, adding that many former students had been happy to donate, including one student who said: "Hope this small donations helps someone as I was helped during my time studying at Lincoln."

A University of Lincoln spokesperson said: "The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people all over the UK. Many young people have lost income from part-time jobs, particularly in retail and hospitality industries in which students often work.

"As a university, we’re committed to supporting our students to achieve and we believe firmly that an individual’s financial circumstances should not be a barrier to education. 

"We have waived final term rent payments for university-managed accommodation and added substantially to the University’s Hardship Funds to ensure those students who find themselves in financial difficulty due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can continue to engage in their studies.

"Our alumni, supporters and the wider community have shown remarkable generosity in supporting our fundraising efforts in this challenging time and we are grateful for their continued support."