INSPIRED. GENUINE. POSITIVE.
Elouise - Dentistry
“I’d always dreamt of studying Dentistry at University, but a series of personal challenges made that look almost impossible for me just a few years ago.
Aged sixteen, I left my family home. In the years that followed, I was placed in supported living, had to leave sixth form, found myself jobless and claiming benefits – and was even declared homeless at one point. Things were extremely difficult, and my aspirations of becoming a dentist seemed completely unattainable.
But I dug deep, and refused to give up.
I pursued an apprenticeship in dental nursing, working hard to gain as much experience in the field as possible as well as earn some money to support myself. My determination paid off, and I soon started to work as a treatment coordinator – but I still dreamt of going further. It wasn’t long after that I found out about the University of Liverpool’s Foundation Year; and my luck started to change.
I’m now studying Dentistry with a Foundation Year at Liverpool, and am blessed to be a recipient of the fully-funded Divock Origi scholarship – a huge help with my finances. The Widening Participation and Outreach team at the University have been a real lifeline to me; continuously supportive and helped me to overcome many challenges. It’s because of this incredible support that I decided to become a university advocate alongside my studies; talking to and assisting prospective students from similar disadvantaged backgrounds, sharing my story and promoting the services on offer at Liverpool. I’m even about to start tutoring Year 9 – 11 pupils at schools across Merseyside.
I am so grateful for the position that I am in. None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t chosen to study at the University of Liverpool”.
SUCCESSFUL. CONFIDENT. SUPPORTED.
Georgie - Marketing
“Liverpool is far away from my hometown, so coming to study and live here pushed me out of my comfort zone. Moving to a new city was hard, because I usually dislike change. However, a couple of years later, those worries are all gone. Choosing the University of Liverpool has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I now think change is exciting!
I’m thrilled to say that during my time here, I’ve excelled academically. I’ve also become much more confident and independent.
The support that I receive from the University has helped me to find and create opportunities for myself that I’ve always aspired to, but never thought I could actually push myself to achieve. As I look forward to my upcoming placement year, I hope to see my academic endeavours and future career prospects continue to flourish”.
PASSIONATE. INQUISITIVE. HIGH-FLIER.
Alex - Aerospace Engineering
To me, flying has always represented ultimate freedom – soaring above the clouds, navigating beautiful landscapes, and embracing new exciting challenges daily. The thought of just being up in the air and exploring the unknown inspired me to dream big.
Growing up, I spent countless hours gazing at the sky, captivated by those flying machines, and wondering what lay beyond the stars. I wanted to understand how aircraft and spacecraft are designed, what makes them ‘tick,’ and how I can use my own knowledge to contribute to the technologies that allow us to explore the skies and beyond.
That’s when I found the University’s Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies course. The course combined the two things I loved: flying and the engineering that makes it possible. It was the perfect blend, bringing everything that I love together, and I knew that this was where I needed to be.
Moving to Liverpool has been an incredible journey so far. I have made it my mission to throw myself at absolutely every opportunity that has come my way, from joining the volleyball team and being on the committee of the Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS), to tackling exciting projects and coursework. The freedom that I have found at university truly aligns with what I’ve always sought out in life. It’s a freedom that mirrors why I love flying; the ability to chart my own course and embrace the endless possibilities that the world has to offer.
Choosing the University of Liverpool has been one of the best decisions I’ll ever make. It’s not just a place to study – its where I'm building the foundations for a future filled with discoveries and adventure; where no dream is out of reach.
RESILIENT. COMMITTED. RESOURCEFUL.
Alexis - French
Being the first person in my family, and the oldest of three siblings, I had little access to information about university. I moved to a sixth form college for my A levels - I was one of those who was good at everything, so I found choosing A levels extremely difficult. The pandemic really did not help with this - all the extra free time led me to believe that I was studying the wrong A levels, so I ended up changing from humanities to Maths and Physics.
Initially, I studied Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Warwick, and being away from my home in Merseyside was incredibly difficult. At the end of the year, I knew that I needed to be studying closer to home, and that Physics was not the right subject for me.
The fact that Liverpool offers the opportunity to study a languages degree without a language A level was a huge factor in deciding where to restart my studies. During sixth form, I had also completed the Liverpool Scholars programme, so I knew quite a lot about the university already.
Now, in my second year of studies, I am feeling the best I have in years. My grades are better because of how close my support network is, and I am excited about getting to experience living in a foreign country next year as a part of my degree. I’ve had so many opportunities whilst at Liverpool, and met so many inspiring and dedicated people.
Making the decision to come to the University of Liverpool is the best decision I could have made for myself. I feel excited knowing that there is an abundance of options for me to take after I finish my undergraduate degree, and that there are dozens of people to support me every step of the way.
PATIENT. DETERMINED. EMPATHETIC.
Jess - Communications & Media
Coming from a working-class background and attending a grammar school, I often felt out of place, especially while navigating the challenges of what I now know to be undiagnosed ADHD. Because of this and other personal difficulties, getting to university hasn’t been a straightforward path, but it has definitely taught me resilience, determination and the value of taking things at my own pace.
After finishing Year 12, I decided to explore my creativity through a Level 2 qualification in hair and makeup, which I put into practice by being a retail makeup artist and cultivating a creative social media presence. However, I soon realised that I wanted to return to academia and ultimately chose to do an Access to Higher Education course in Humanities and Social Sciences.
It can be daunting coming into university a bit later than your average student, but I’m honestly really glad that I took the time to enrich my mindset and skillset instead of rushing into a degree at a time that didn’t feel right for me. Now, as a second-year student, despite some difficulties that I’ve faced along the way, I’ve worked hard to embrace the opportunities that the university has to offer - alongside my studies, I work as a disability coach, where I am able to draw upon my experiences as a neurodivergent student to empower others to succeed.
Through the university I’ve also been on a trip abroad to Vienna and taken part in other extracurricular activities such as workshops with our sister university in China, giving me memories I’ll never forget.
For me, university isn’t just about earning a degree - it’s also about self-discovery, gaining connections, and crafting a future I can be proud of. I’m really grateful to the University of Liverpool for providing me with the opportunities to do this.
GREGARIOUS. DRIVEN. COMPASSIONATE.
Matty - English
I had never seriously considered university during high school, as I had planned to join the RAF. Although my parents always encouraged me to study hard, university seemed a distant idea.
That changed when, in Year 10 or 11, universities visited my school. The University of Liverpool’s stand, with its prestige and student-focused approach, instantly caught my attention. As a proud Merseysider, I loved how the university represented the city’s culture and heritage.
This experience had a lasting impact as I completed my A-levels. I knew I wanted to study in Liverpool, and after attending several open days, my decision was clear. Being the first person in my family to apply for university, I was nervous about the unknown. However, the welcoming atmosphere at the open days eased my worries. Everyone I met was genuinely interested in my story and eager to help me succeed.
Receiving my offer to study at Liverpool was a moment of pure excitement. Move-in day was chaotic, but I quickly found my feet, spending more time socialising than settling in. I met people from diverse backgrounds, forming friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
As a Liverpool Advocate, I now inspire others to pursue their dreams, a role that is incredibly rewarding. The University has been nothing short of fantastic. Despite the challenges, the support from lecturers, particularly in English, has been invaluable.
I love the university so much that I’ve decided to pursue my PGDL, Masters, and Bar course here. They won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon!
ALTRUISTIC. UPSTANDING. RESILIENT.
Michael - Digital Chemistry
Since I was 15, I knew I wanted to go to university. The idea of developing myself, immersing in a subject I loved, and transitioning into the workforce was captivating. However, when I shared my dream of studying chemistry, a teacher told me I should "strongly reconsider." This was disheartening. Would I be good enough? Could I handle it?
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these doubts. Balancing studies, university applications, and mental health while facing isolation pushed me to the brink. But I set my sights on the University of Liverpool. As I researched, I found world-class teaching, research, and a sense of community that made me believe it could be home. I reignited my determination to prove myself.
Fast forward to 2024: I've graduated with a degree in Chemistry, completed a dissertation in a world-leading automation group, and am now pursuing a Digital Chemistry MSc with the prospect of completing a PhD. Along the way, I developed analytical skills, gained confidence in public speaking, and discovered a passion for using technology to advance science. The university's support has shaped my journey.
Today, I give back to my city through community activism, mentoring new students, and encouraging others to pursue higher education. As a proud Scouser, I confidently say Liverpool is a home for anyone ready to embrace their future at the University of Liverpool.
OPTIMISTIC. DILLIGENT. PASSIONATE.
Shaniqua - Mechanical Engineering
I come from one of the most disadvantaged areas of my town and have lived on a council estate my entire life, raised by a single mother. She is my inspiration for everything, why I pick myself up after countless setbacks, and why I am determined to excel in everything I do. She helped my twin sister and I to reach university, something almost nobody in my family has done before.
During college, I knew I wanted to study Mechanical Engineering, and eventually work my way to the pinnacle of engineering in Formula One. My number one choice was the University of Liverpool, and I cried with happiness when I was accepted. The University of Liverpool has helped me to gain confidence and independence, changed my outlook on life, and provided me with opportunities I would never have thought possible. I am in love with what I study. I achieved outstanding grades in my first year. And looking back at where I came from, I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come. I know that there are many more opportunities waiting for me, and with the University’s help, I know I’ll become the engineer and the person I have always aspired to be.
AMBITIOUS. ENTHUSIASTIC. DETERMINED.
Tanika - Medicine
Coming from a Punjabi family that has worked tirelessly in the UK for generations, I was raised with the belief that education is the key to success. My great-grandmother dreamed of my grandfather becoming a doctor, and my grandfather passed that hope to his son. Now, I’m proud to be the first in my family to study medicine, turning their dreams into reality.
Growing up in a working-class household, the path to becoming a doctor wasn’t straightforward. Without access to the same resources as some of my peers, I had to navigate the medical school application process largely on my own. It often felt overwhelming, but my family’s resilience kept me determined, and I achieved a place in medical school on my first attempt.
Since starting my degree in 2020, the University of Liverpool has been a place of incredible growth. While I initially struggled with imposter syndrome, the supportive community here has helped me thrive. A defining moment for me was achieving a distinction in a master’s degree between my third and fourth years—an achievement that once felt unattainable. My work as a student advocate has also been pivotal, giving me opportunities to grow professionally through public speaking and networking.
Though I didn’t have a head start in medicine, the University has propelled me forward. I now aim to inspire others from similar backgrounds and am determined to pursue a career in surgery after medical school.
PASSIONATE. RESILIENT. DETERMINED.
Vivien - Archaeology
I grew up on the Wirral and struggled with some school subjects, especially maths, due to learning differences. Always passionate about archaeology and history, I initially intended to pursue it as a career, but life took me in other directions, including marriage, family, and careers in veterinary, catering, and running my own businesses. In my mid-fifties, I decided to follow my lifelong passion and enrolled in the Go Higher diploma course at the University of Liverpool. This life-changing step led to undergraduate and postgraduate study, culminating in an MA in archaeology. I’m now excited to begin an MPhil, proving age and background are no barriers to success.
The University of Liverpool provides first-class teaching, excellent facilities, and a supportive, inclusive environment. I’ve experienced this firsthand as a mature student with mental and physical disabilities. My tutors and research supervisors, Dr Rachel Pope, Dr Peter Hommel, and Dr Nicola George, have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my studies.
In addition to my studies, I work as a Disability Coach, helping other students access support, a role I find deeply rewarding. I also serve as a student ambassador for ACE (Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology), sharing my experiences with prospective students during open days. From the beginning, I’ve felt a strong sense of belonging, inclusivity, and pride in being part of this exceptional University. Choosing Liverpool was the best decision I’ve made—it truly is an outstanding place to study.
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