Starting university is an exciting but tough journey. For two first-year Aerospace Engineering students, the Alumni Scholarship has made all the difference. Coming from different backgrounds and facing financial challenges, they’ve been able to focus on their studies and fully immerse themselves in university life.
With the help of the scholarship, they can pursue their dreams without the weight of financial worries. Their stories show just how impactful scholarships can be in helping students achieve their goals.
What brought you to the university?
Student A
“I have lived half of my life in Portugal and the other half in the UK. I was raised by a single mother. She is a teacher, and when she found herself without a stable job in Portugal, she packed up her whole life so that she could provide her two young children with a better future.
“My mother was the first person in our family to have attended university, graduating with a bachelor’s from the University of Aveiro, following on to do her master’s degree in education at the University of Vigo. She paved the way for both my brother and I to follow in her footsteps.
“By the time COVID-19 hit, we had been in England for the better part of eight years. I had spent my primary and secondary school years in Milton Keynes and was eager to return home. Having taught in the English school system, my mother was able to apply to British international schools in Portugal.
“We moved to the Algarve in 2021 where I completed both my iGCSEs and IA-levels. I have always enjoyed my time at school - I wanted to learn new things and discover new ways of interacting with the world around me. I went on to study mathematics, physics and further mathematics at A-level as well as completing an AS-level in biology.”
Student B
“I was born in Walthamstow, London, and shortly after, moved back to Ghana, my parents' home country, where I lived for the next nine years. My mum, my brother, and I then moved back to the UK, spending time in Wales and London before being relocated to Gravesend, Kent, where we have lived since. My mum works as a Care Assistant, taking care of the elderly and disabled. My brother is currently studying for his A-levels. She has sacrificed a lot for us, and I am incredibly grateful.
“Upon arriving in Gravesend, I completed my Secondary education and progressed to Grammar school, studying maths, physics and business. I always knew I wanted a career in engineering, and while I chose maths and physics for their direct application, business allowed me to continue an essay-heavy subject while gaining useful knowledge.”
Closeup of model aeroplanes in the Aerospace Design Studio
Why Nottingham?
Student A
“Despite only being in year 8, the aerospace engineering topic fascinated me; it was the perfect mix between creative, fun and educative. It facilitated my love for tinkering and fixing, which was introduced to me by my grandfather, who had spent my entire life fixing and building every inch of our home.
“When the time came to choose my own university, I couldn’t visit any campuses in person and had to rely on advice from all the connections I had made throughout the years. I applied to several universities, but Nottingham stood out. I had spoken to some of my colleagues at my summer job, and the majority were either attending or had attended the university. They described the city with such passion that it ticked all the checkboxes almost immediately.
“Researching the course was yet another near-perfect experience; the course was a great mix between broad mechanical engineering modules and niche aerospace concepts. I concluded that the University of Nottingham was going to be an institution that would propel me to accomplish all of my aspirations. I hope to someday travel the world, applying my newfound knowledge to aid underprivileged communities.”
Student B
“As a child, I always wanted to be a pilot. I loved the idea of traveling the world by air. When choosing my university course, aerospace engineering immediately stood out to me. I was excited to understand the incredible vehicles that allow us to traverse our planet amongst the clouds.
Nottingham’s beautiful, nature-filled campus appealed to me, as I love working outdoors. Combined with its fantastic Aerospace course, I knew it was the best place to cultivate my knowledge.”
Favourite module and campus life
Student A
“So far, my first term at Nottingham has left me feeling nothing short of lucky. My accommodation, Dagfa House, has excellent facilities, and I get along well with my flatmates. Everyone here has opened their arms and created a comfortable living environment, aiding in countering our hectic university courses.
“My favourite modules so far are Aircraft Design and Performance, and Computer-Aided Engineering, which challenge me and leave me feeling happy. I have also joined the Portuguese society and the Formula student team.”
Student B
“My first term at Nottingham has already expanded my horizons massively. Not only has the quality of the teaching been exceptional, but the people have also been great as well. I am currently living in Albion House, Broadgate Park. My flatmates are great, and I even have a fellow Aerospace Engineering student living there too, so it's been really nice having someone who understands the course with me as well as being able to motivate and support each other.
“I faced some difficulties with certain modules initially, but I’ve now adjusted and feel very comfortable with the content. While all the modules have been interesting and enjoyable, I have particularly enjoyed getting to learn Catia, a 3D design software widely used in industry. Having access to software that allows me to visualise the motion and configuration of different components has been fantastic in helping me learn more efficiently.”
Undergraduate students studying a wind tunnel experiment in an engineering lab
How the sponsorship has helped
Student A
“I felt a huge sense of relief when I received the scholarship confirmation email. This scholarship means that I can sustain myself at university, without making my mother struggle at the end of the month. This scholarship allowed me to make a concrete decision on returning to England, providing me with a much clearer and positive outlook on the future.
“This scholarship has given me a chance at a future full of opportunities that I would otherwise not have access to. It has given me the chance to experience university life with minimal financial anxiety. I am now able to budget effectively and maintain a healthy lifestyle, hence allowing me to focus solely on completing my degree to a high standard.”
I am incredibly thankful for the scholarship. It means so much knowing that I can fully dedicate myself to my studies and personal enrichment while enjoying my time at university. I will make sure to make the most of the opportunity the scholarship has provided for me.
Student B
Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Year student
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