Impact stories

“I honestly knew I would struggle at uni as I didn't have the same support as other people, but with my scholarship I feel more supported than ever.”

What was the proudest moment in your university journey? For Lily, it was just getting here. She was uncertain if she would ever attend Hallam due to struggles with both her mental and physical health, and a lack of support at home. Her scholarship has allowed her to improve her health by giving her means to gain work experience in her chosen field and to book vital medical procedures. 

“traversing both a glacier and an extinct volcano were life changing events”

University is full of life-changing moments – and some of the best ones happen outside lectures! Matthew used his scholarship money to pay for his second-year trip to Iceland, where he had the amazing experience of exploring both a glacier and an active volcano. Our financial support allows our students to live their university life to the fullest.

“It’s motivated me to keep striving for the best results I can, knowing that someone believes in my potential enough to invest in it.”

Noorah juggles a part-time job and caring responsibilities with lectures, lab work, and revision for the incredibly complex subject of chemical engineering. Her scholarship has allowed her to drop hours at her job and provides vital access to academic support and extra tuition. As a chemical engineer, Noorah could change the world – and her scholarship gives her the best chance to do so. 

“I like being an inspiration to my daughter: I say to her, “you are never too old to follow your dreams.” It's incredibly hard for me but I am proud and surprised at abilities I didn't know I had.”

Time and money have been cited as Charlotte’s two biggest obstacles throughout her time here. As a working mother of two children, one of whom has additional needs, her scholarship has afforded her some invaluable financial flexibility. The money has gone towards buying course resources and pay for childcare, benefitting the entire family. 

“It has taken a long time, a lot of soul searching and a mountain to climb in terms of confidence to finally pursue the dreams I had to give up on as a teen.”

Martin is husband to a new district nurse and father to three sons, two of whom are autistic. To him, family is everything. His scholarship has funded childcare and outings, benefiting the entire family. The stability and reassurance of Martin’s scholarship has enabled him to excel academically. The brilliant work he has achieved at Hallam has resulted in him being contacted by MC Serch, an American record executive and rapper in the hip-hop group 3rd Base, which Martin claims as a personal highlight. 

” I am a mother of three children: things can get really tough and tight with money. Having my top up bursary has given me opportunities to not have to worry about buying books, pens, and most importantly helping towards my cap and gown.”

Financial support at university is often about the little things even those we might take for granted. Without her bursary, Shaunie might not have had her cap and gown at graduation or even the necessary stationary for her degree. They’re just small parts of the university experience – but they can make the biggest difference.