For many students, financial barriers can stand in the way of achieving their full potential. That’s where the Student Fund, made possible thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, makes a difference. By providing scholarships and bursaries to students in need, it offers vital support, ensuring financial hardship doesn’t limit access to education and opportunity at the University of Liverpool.
Izzy, a second year student, knows how life changing this support can be. Unsure of whether she’d be able to go to University in the first place, Izzy describes the feeling of being accepted at the University of Liverpool and what the impact of the Bursary has had on her university experience so far.
Receiving the Liverpool Bursary
I didn't know if university was something in the cards for me while I was at school. At sixth form, I was even advised not to sit my A levels that year because they thought I wasn't going to do well. But I sat my exams and now I am a student at Liverpool. I cried when I found out I had a place at the University - I've never cried from being happy before, but I sobbed that day, and I was just so excited. It was amazing.
I don't know if I could have gone to university at all without the Liverpool Bursary, especially one so far away from home. I really wanted to go to a university that would push me academically. I think Liverpool has really great support that a lot of universities don't have. I also have an amazing support plan from the Disability team relating to my mental health.
The funding has been an unimaginable help. Without the discount on university halls that Liverpool offers, I wouldn’t have met the friends I have done and would have really struggled to afford accommodation and basic necessities. Thanks to the Bursary, I have been able to actually ‘be a student’. My life would look very different; I would likely be living at home, going to a non-Russell Group university and potentially have fewer opportunities. I would be working far more hours and would have had to consider part-time courses to continue working. At home, we are unable to afford Wi-Fi and for several months had our electricity cut off, and my quality of living would have remained this way. My mum has always been a big advocate for me going to university, and when she found out I got a place at Liverpool, she was excited and really proud as well.
University experience so far
University has been a fantastic experience for me. It’s been incredibly busy but has allowed me to build up my independence and self-confidence. I’ve made amazing friends who have been a support system for me.
My highlights would be joining the musical theatre society, LUST. It’s free to join and has made university that much more enjoyable for me through putting on productions, including Legally Blonde and Spring Awakening. Meeting people just as passionate as I am about musicals has been great.
Until my first day of Freshers Week, I’d never been further North than Birmingham, but I immediately found Liverpool to be a vibrant, friendly and student safe city. The sense of community helped me to feel right at home. Having multiple universities here means the student presence is significant and there are so many people to meet. My highlights in the city are the independent bookshops.
A message of thanks to supporters of the Student Fund
I would like to emphasise how life changing the extra funding is for people like me. My family circumstances suddenly changed after my parents split up and I lived with my mum, a single parent who has been on benefits for a significant amount of time and worsened by the pandemic. University has opened so many doors for me that would have remained firmly closed without the extra help I’ve received.
Donating helps to give other people an amazing opportunity that people experience at university. I am one step closer to my career ambitions and working towards a degree has already opened many more jobs. Thank you.
Izzy’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of our supporter community. If you’d like to find out more about the Student Fund and how you can get involved, please visit our webpage.