Replacing education items stolen after break in

Hi, I am Marco, a university final-year student. On the 28th of April, I was watching a movie with my roommates in the living room. It was 1 am. I had left my backpack and things in my room like I usually do after arriving home from the library. After we finished the movie, I went upstairs to get ready to sleep. However, when I tried to open my door, I realised it was locked.

My first thought was that maybe the lock had gone bust (the house is quite old, and things keep breaking); however, as we tried to open it and we realised some weird things were happening, we called a locksmith in order to help us open the door. The only locksmith available arrived at around 4 am. After trying to unlock the door he realised that the lock was totally bust and he had to dismantle the handle and lock in order to open the door. When he opened the door, I saw that my room was ransacked, my belongings were thrown about, and most devastatingly, my backpack containing my laptop, iPad, and other essential study tools was stolen. Moreover, personal items, including a sentimental watch given by my parents and gifts from my girlfriend, were all stolen. This loss is not merely about the items but the irreplaceable personal and academic value they held.

The laptop held my thesis work and research for a summer Research Assistant position, projects that are crucial for my graduation and future career. The iPad contained all my notes and textbooks.

This incident could not have come at a worse time. With major submissions due this Friday and my final exams (accounting for 33% of my degree) looming, the timing is awful. The emotional toll has been immense, especially following an alarming experience earlier in the month where I was spiked at the university library. This series of unfortunate events has left me not only physically exhausted but also mentally and emotionally drained. The thought of being targeted and harmed was already a heavy burden, but the realisation that someone had invaded my home, rifling through and taking my most treasured possessions while I was just downstairs, has shaken my sense of security to its core. I feel profoundly vulnerable and powerless in safeguarding my own safety and well-being.

I have reported the incident to the police and taken steps to secure my remaining belongings, but the truth is, I am not prepared to handle the financial burden of replacing what they stole. That’s where I hope you can help.

Your support would allow me to replace my stolen items and continue my studies with minimal disruption. More than just replacing what was lost, your help would provide peace of mind and the ability to focus on my final exams and thesis without the added stress of financial strain.

Every little bit helps, and I am deeply grateful for any support you can provide. Please consider donating or sharing this campaign with others. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any help you can offer.