For two first-year mechanical engineering students, the journey to Nottingham has been made much smoother thanks to the support of the Alumni Scholarship.
This scholarship has given them the freedom to focus on what matters most: growing their skills, exploring new opportunities and following their passions.
What brought you to the university?
Student A
“I grew up in Slough, Berkshire, in a small town called Langley. Born by two immigrant parents coming from Latvia searching for a fresh start, briefly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Knowing very little English at the time, my parents worked low-skill agricultural jobs in the coastal town of Littlehampton. Eventually, after saving up money and through social programs, they were able to settle down in Slough.
“My father is a very technical man, he loves to solder and tinker with electronics in his free time, so it's no surprise that he was an early PC enthusiast. As a result he always had spare components lying around, and my fondest memories were tinkering and putting together custom computers. This love for computers led me to pursue computer science (accompanying mathematics and physics) at A-level, where I quickly learned that I enjoyed more of the tinkering and hands-on side of computers compared to the abstracted coding side. Along with my increasing curiosity in physics, I decided to jump ship and pursue mechanical engineering at university level.”
Student B
“I live in west Wales, with my mother and two younger sisters. I am the first, hopefully not the last, out of my siblings to attend university. I have always dreamed of doing something science-related as I found a strong interest in science during secondary school.
“After achieving straight As in my GCSEs for science and maths I decided I wanted to continue doing STEM at A level and chose to do maths, chemistry and physics. During my A levels, my youngest sister became very unwell, as she was struggling with mental health problems. It was decided she had to go and live with carers in Cardiff until she was in a better state to be living at home. Unfortunately, this all happened during my final year of A levels which did impact them, but I still managed to leave school with an A* in maths which I was very pleased with.”
University student turning metal on a centre lathe
Why Nottingham?
Student A
“Nottingham caught my attention not only for its comparatively attractive campus but also for its cutting-edge facilities and the course’s emphasis on sustainability. Of course, I feel like it's early to make conclusive decisions on my future, but I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the field of thermodynamics and drive innovation in powertrain technologies.”
Student B
“Whilst looking for universities I first decided to look at ones close to home, but I soon found there weren’t that many good options. I eventually ended up choosing Nottingham as my firm choice as I believed I would fit in best here, and I’m glad I did so, as everyone here is extremely friendly.”
Favourite module and campus life
Student A
“My favourite aspect of living in student accommodation away from home is independence. I enjoy the freedom and tranquillity of being the captain of my own ship. Even though it is still early on in the course, I find myself enjoying the Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics module the most, and I'm looking forward to learning more about it as time goes on.
“Additionally, I feel like university is the best place to expose yourself to new experiences, and I've recently joined the debating society and took part in a couple of debates as it is a step outside my comfort zone, helping develop my oratory skills.”
Student B
“The first couple of months at university have been eye-opening. Coming from a very rural part of Wales, it has been amazing having good public transport and loads of activities to do around Nottingham. I have also joined the Mechanical Engineering Society using the funding from the scholarship and also the Motorsport Society, which allowed me to make friends after coming here and knowing no-one, and has really made me feel like I fit in here.”
How the sponsorship has helped
Student A
“I’ve never applied for bursaries, scholarships, or any type of support because I value independence and have always felt that seeking such assistance might diminish the value of my achievements. However, after conversations with friends and family, I was convinced to apply for the scholarship, and I'm glad to say that I do not regret it.
“It has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders as I don't have to worry about financially burdening my parents, who are also responsible for caring for a younger sibling. I'm incredibly appreciative of the scholarship in helping me become the first person in my family to attend university.”
One of the big worries I had about university other than moving over five hours away from home was how to fund it. I knew it was going to be a struggle, but once I found out I was going to receive the scholarship I was over the moon. It really got me excited for my degree as before I was worried about the financial stress it would put on my mum, who really can’t afford to help me financially. I am very thankful to be receiving this scholarship and I am working hard to become a successful engineer.
Student B
Mechanical Engineering first-year student
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