Kailen's story – how the Alumni Scholarship is shaping his future

Each year, the Faculty of Social Sciences provides Alumni Scholarship Awards to undergraduate students to support essential costs. For the 2024/2025 academic year, Kailen Patel, first-year accountancy student, shares how this scholarship has impacted his academic and personal journey.

What brought you to the university?

“My mother and father are both single parents. I am the first person in my immediate family, as well as my mother’s entire family, to attend further education. I have always been close with my mother, and she has always been my motivation to work hard to provide a better life and to show her what the world really has to offer.

“I never had good grades previously and always struggled up until the start of year 11, when I looked at myself and said I need to work harder after acknowledging I am not naturally smart, but I am committed, dedicated and disciplined. Since then, I have always worked the hardesthard to achieve the best.

“I studied geography, business and economics at A level – this was a real test of my integrity and the values of dedication and discipline I thought I had. This is why I maintained my routine and showed a high work ethic and determination to do well for myself, and be able to show my mother a better life. After countless hours of revision, I was able to achieve amazing grades: AAB, and with the two As I was 3 and 4 marks from an A*.

“Looking back , I never thought I'd be able to achieve what I have so far, and getting into the University of Nottingham in the BSc Accountancy course, with PwC as a degree apprentice, is a testament to my strong work ethic, dedication and discipline.”

Favourite module and campus life

“I currently stay at Deakins Place – my accommodation is quite modern and has a homely feel to it. The module which I have enjoyed the most on my course is Principles of Taxation, as I love the way it is taught. It also gives an insight into not only what accountancy is like, but how it will affect me and my peers in the real world.

“I am currently working hard and doing everything I can to do well in my coursework managing my group, as well as working hard to make sure I gain the best possible results in exams.”

How the scholarship has helped

“The scholarship has already been put to good use, and I have invested in an iPad to help me study by utilising apps like OneNote. This has been a revelation for me in studying, and makes everything more easily accessible, making revision that bit easier. Without this, I would find it difficult to revise university work.”