Thank you -
14,00o times
over!

Kingsley (2nd Year Geology)

I faced many challenges before I came to University, I grew up in the care system, which was particularly hard during Covid. Luckily I was placed with a supportive foster family who inspired me to apply for a place at Leeds. But, without a donor-funded scholarship, I would not have been able to pursue my passion of studying Geology.

As a result, I have been able to access the Plus Programme, where I have been able to develop friendships and pursue valuable hobbies which has made me settle into University life and help me feel like I truly belong.

My time with the Plus Programme has also helped me to build confidence in my academic studies, and I am so proud of my progress.

I look forward to pursuing internship and career opportunities in environmental geological hazards – I am continuing to work hard so I can achieve my predicted 2:1 in my degree!

The financial support you have given me has also meant I have been able to cook healthy meals, visit family, and further immerse myself in university life.

Thanks to your support, I feel motivated to succeed.

Fabiha (Physics and Astrophysics 2024)

Since graduating in 2024, I’ve been working as a Policy & Campaigns Coordinator at Leeds University Union and I genuinely love what I do!

I support students who are passionate about changemaking and advocacy – just like I was in my first year. Sometimes they just need someone to say, “You can do this”. It’s deeply fulfilling to be the voice I once needed.

My personal life is thriving too –this month I marry my long-term partner! Ours is an interracial relationship, which sadly led to estrangement from my family. There was a time we weren’t sure we’d make it, but here we are, in the happiest chapter of my life.

Looking back, I know I couldn’t have come this far without my scholarship.

When I arrived at Leeds, I’d been living in a refuge for 19 months and faced a serious mental health crisis. My scholarship gave me access to counselling and the chance to rebuild my confidence.

University can be transformational — but only if you’re given the opportunity to grow. Your generosity is what helps to break down barriers for people like me – so thank you, all of you.

Heba (Adult Nursing 2025)

Coming from a single parent low-income household, I did not have much hope for my time at university. It was going to be difficult for me to get a job to support myself alongside completing 2,300 hours of unpaid placement in my nursing degree, lectures, assignments, exams and maintaining a social life. I also had caring responsibilities for family at home.

Thanks to my scholarship, I have been saved from excess debt and undue stress which can come from the financial burden of studying.

Not having to worry about rent payments, or even simple things such as the food shop has really helped me. The scholarship has also allowed me time to focus more on my studies. I received 92% on my final university assignment and if it wasn't for the support I have received then getting a grade such as that would not have been possible.

I recently took part in a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity to complete a nursing placement abroad in Sri Lanka through a grant from the Opportunities Fund. Completing an elective placement was always my ambition and I finally got to follow it through.

And it’s all thanks to you. Thank you for giving me that opportunity, it means the world.

Makeen (Medicine and Surgery 2024)

My drive to become a surgeon was inspired by my experiences of the war in Syria.

As a refugee, it’s something I may never have had the chance to achieve if it wasn’t for my scholarship to study at Leeds, thanks to donors like you. It’s made a huge difference to my life and ambitions. Academically, it meant I could afford revision resources and do extra courses, which have helped my grades and will undoubtedly benefit my CV.

I have spent an absolutely priceless seven weeks at a state-of-the-art spinal research lab in Rhode Island and one week shadowing one of the world’s most important orthopaedic surgeons in Florida. I could never have done this without your support: the backing to afford travel, accommodation and living costs. These eight weeks will, hopefully, be the kind of experience that gives me a real chance of becoming a spinal surgeon in future.

I am now working as a junior doctor, and I hope to go into spine research and achieve my dream of becoming a surgeon.

Your help extends far beyond the day, month or year you provide it, thank you for everything you've helped me accomplish so far and all I do in the future.

Emillie (Social Work 2024)

Thank you for the scholarship that made it financially possible for me to study at Leeds. I can’t tell you what it means to be writing this new chapter. To be thinking of things like saving for a holiday, a house and looking forward to the first Christmas of our new ‘normal’. None of it would be possible without you.

Three years ago I was a single parent. I was on benefits with a young baby. Each month, I was looking at the bills coming in and picking one I wasn’t going to pay just so we could afford to eat. I’d grown up in poverty and I didn’t want that to be our future, so I applied for a scholarship to Leeds. I couldn’t believe it when I got it. Suddenly, that huge financial barrier standing between me and my ambition to become a social worker had gone. Getting a degree, even with all the costs and responsibilities of being a mum, was now just about possible.

This year, I graduated with a degree in Social Care from Leeds and have just secured my first job role. I can't wait to start supporting other people and making a difference to their lives, as you have to mine.

Josh (3rd Year Politics and Parliamentary Studies)

My scholarship has allowed me to study without the stresses I’ve faced through childhood and adolescence. Knowing I have the support of donors like you has also given me a great sense of belonging. Most importantly, being free to focus on my studies has helped me get the grades to change to the Politics with Parliamentary Studies course after Year 1, which has been transformative.

As part of the course, I did a placement with Rachel Reeves’ team. It was an amazing experience: managing Rachel’s inbox, corresponding with MPs, constituents and businesses, and assisting with briefings and policy research.

The placement has given me an even deeper motivation to succeed, especially as Rachel has now become the UK’s first ever female Chancellor. After graduation, I hope to apply to the Civil Service Fast Stream. My end goal is to be a policy advisor and help to shape policy decisions which will have a positive impact on peoples’ lives. My mum and I can’t thank you enough for helping me follow my dream at Leeds.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing Programme

This programme - which combines referrals from Student Counselling and Wellbeing, Plus Programme, Disability Service, and Sport and Physical Activity - aims to enhance the overall wellbeing of students and equip them with the motivation, skills and confidence to make positive choices for their health and wellbeing long after the programme ends.

Thanks to your support students have been able to access wellness workshops and seminars with guest speakers and experts, one-to-one dedicated support from a wellbeing consultant and funding for exercise and mental wellbeing classes.

The continued support for this programme is vital for the mental and physical wellbeing of our students.