From Egypt to Nottingham – how the Alumni Scholarship shaped Isaac’s law journey
Isaac shares how financial support has helped him pursue his passions
Growing up in Egypt and later moving to the UK shaped Isaac’s perspective on justice and inspired him to study law. Thanks to the Alumni Scholarship Award, he’s embracing campus life, balancing academia with his love for music and sports, and pursuing his dream of understanding the legal system.
What brought you to the university?
“I lived in Egypt for the first ten years of my life due to my parent’s jobs (missionaries) along with my younger brother and older sister. I didn't realise it at the time, but Egypt had quite a large impact on how I now view the world and was even one of the reasons why I have chosen to study law. Since moving back to the UK I have become interested in international law, as I now see that the law is not always fair, and justice has different meanings for different people.
“For my A levels I studied law, maths, biology and history. I enjoyed each subject and the unique challenges each one gave me. I also did an Extended Project Qualification (a 5,000-word essay for extra credit) about the Great Pyramids of Giza, which I found fascinating but only made me miss Egypt more.”
Why did you choose Nottingham?
“Although I enjoyed school, as soon as I arrived at the University of Nottingham, I knew the two educational experiences would not even compare. I love the social atmosphere of living on campus, eating dinner together and socialising in the common room - there is never a dull moment at Lincoln Hall.
“To get to my lectures, I walk across the Downs, which are the large fields next to the tennis courts and Cripps Medical Centre. Some days, the sun is just rising or setting when I walk across it, and because of the abundance of greenery on the campus it doesn't even feel like I'm at university, rather that I'm in the middle of nature.
“I greatly appreciate the short walk to the David Ross Sports Village to get to the gym which I know I will miss in second year, as well as being so close to the exceptional tennis centre.”
Undergraduate students offering legal advice in a law clinic
Campus life
“Outside of academia my hobbies and work life tend to absorb the rest of my time. I am a musician, aiming for a grade 8 distinction in drums before I finish my studies; a sports enthusiast, having played a multitude of sports in the past but currently relishing the challenge of tennis; and an employee, having worked part-time at an activity centre since the summer of 2022 - my communication skills have never been better.
“Studying law at university will undeniably be challenging, but I believe my personal experiences and acute desire to learn leave me well equipped to delve into the thrilling enigma that is our English legal system.”
How the scholarship has helped
“I really appreciate the support the scholarship has given me, not only because of the opportunities but also because of the peace of mind it has provided that I am able to do extracurricular activities without worrying about running out of money. I can now buy the sports memberships to improve my skills and maybe one day get into a competitive team.”
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