Empowering futures – how the Alumni Scholarship transforms student life

For many students, university isn’t just about studying, it’s about making the most of every opportunity, but financial worries can sometimes get in the way. The Alumni Scholarship Awards has helped students like Tom and Theo, two first-year economics students, focus on their education, get involved in campus life, and pursue their passions without the added stress of money concerns. Here, they share how the scholarship has made a real difference in their university journey.

What brought you to the university?

Tom Hanlon

“I live in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham with my mum, dad and younger sister. My mum is a supply teacher, and my dad is now retired, however he used to be a teacher too.

“With both parents being involved in the school system, the importance of education was heavily emphasised when I was growing up. This emphasis enabled me to get into the grammar school in the local area. After managing to achieve great GCSE grades, I was able to continue to sixth form which was the best two years of my life. I studied maths, physics and biology and achieved three A*s. Opening the envelope with my results was an incredible feeling, as I worked extremely hard for the exams.”

Theo Giannini

“I grew up in Surrey before moving to Liverpool at the age of 11. Adjusting to a new city where I didn’t know anyone was challenging, but it taught me resilience and led to friendships that have shaped who I am. Things became even tougher a few years later when I had to cut ties with my father. The family was broken during this period due to some traumatic news that affected each of us in different ways. My mother stepped up for me, working multiple jobs - even three at once during Christmas - just to make ends meet. Watching her perseverance and selflessness inspires me every day.

“Throughout school, I had a clear passion for mathematics. I loved the way it challenged me and allowed me to be creative yet logical in my solutions, unlike subjects like history or English, which never quite clicked for me. Over time, my interest grew beyond numbers to understanding people and how the world works. That’s what drew me to economics, a perfect blend of maths and the social sciences, with its focus on decision-making and problem-solving.”

Why did you choose Nottingham?

Tom Hanlon

“Studying at Nottingham was a pretty easy choice for me. I much prefer campus universities to city universities. After attending the open day, my heart was set on Nottingham because there is so much greenery and it almost feels like a park.”

Theo Giannini

“When it came to choosing a university, Nottingham stood out for me when I visited on my offer-holder day. The vibrant campus and sense of community made me eager to call Nottingham my second home.”
 

Campus life

Tom Hanlon

“The walks to lectures are definitely made much better by walking over the Downs. I am staying in Derby Hall which is a very sociable hall. My room is small, but I’ve decorated it with football and basketball posters and flags, making it feel like my own space.

“I've been playing hockey since I was ten and have continued at university, where I'm part of the fifth team. The team is great fun, and I get along well with everyone. Hockey is a big commitment, with two training sessions and two matches each week, but it’s absolutely worth it. I truly appreciate your generosity with the scholarship, as hockey membership and kit costs can be quite expensive.”

Theo Giannini

“My first term at Nottingham has been full of surprises. I’ve made friends more easily than I expected, meeting people who share my interests and hobbies.

“I’ve also joined the trading and investment society, which has been one of the most exciting parts of my university experience so far. Being part of the society has allowed me to discover my passion for financial markets (specifically commodities trading, due to its influence in the global economy), and develop practical skills in trading and investment strategies.

“It inspired me to pursue a career as a trader. I’m drawn to how dynamic the nature of the job is, as I enjoy having change in my life. I wish to specialise and really excel at my job, so I plan to start by working for a leading financial firm to gain experience and insight into the industry, before eventually transitioning to trading independently.”

How the scholarship has helped

Tom Hanlon

“Without the scholarship, I would likely have had to ask my parents for financial support, which I try to avoid. My mum has multiple sclerosis, making it difficult for her to work a full five-day week. Instead, she does supply teaching for two or three days a week. When I ask for financial help, I feel like I’m putting pressure on her to work more, which she physically cannot do. The scholarship allows me to relax and enjoy everything that the university has to offer without worrying that this pressure is being exerted on my mum.”