Giving Day

For many students, university is so much more than a degree. Whilst it is central to the experience, life at Loughborough has so much more to offer. Students can explore new opportunities, build confidence and skills, and discover a future career path. However, that can be difficult for some students.

It is thanks to donations to Opportunity Scholarships that Phoenix, a Psychology student, can enjoy university life to the full. By relieving financial pressures, Opportunity Scholars can fully immerse themselves in student life and leave Loughborough equipped for what comes next.

Alongside her studies, Phoenix has embraced student life by devoting time to extra-curricular activities. She has taken on a range of roles across the Loughborough community, supporting prospective students as an ambassador for her course and exploring something completely new by getting involved with LSU Media. As a Welfare and Diversity representative for Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall, Phoenix has worked to create an inclusive environment for her peers – building valuable skills that are relevant to her newfound career path.

Receiving a scholarship has provided vital support during her first two years, helping to cover day-to-day living costs. As a Scholar, Phoenix receives £3,000 a year for three years of study. She said:

Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to afford my time at university and therefore would have struggled to pursue further education."

As Phoenix explored placement opportunities across the UK for her year in industry, she realised that it could also incur costs. Thanks to her scholarship, Phoenix didn't miss out. She added:

I had to travel across the country to assessment centres and interviews, and this was rather costly. It was very comforting knowing I had the money there from my scholarship, and I didn't have to miss out on these opportunities because of financial reasons."

The scholarship has allowed her to focus on pursuing opportunities and gaining valuable experience rather than worrying about the financial challenges that can often accompany them:

Your donations have made it possible for me to pursue my dream and allow me to create a greater future for myself. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support!"

In 2025/26, 94% of scholarship recipients were from households with an income of less than £10,000 per year. Scholarships help to ensure talented students can access opportunities, realise their potential, and build successful futures regardless of their financial circumstances. Thanks to you, since the programme launched in 2013, over 450 students have benefited from an Opportunity Scholarship. Yet so many more students need support to continue their journey to success.

Currently, just 1 in 3 students in need are awarded a scholarship.

You can be the difference in someone's journey this Giving Day.

17 November 2026 is Giving Day! The Loughborough community will come together once again to support students through Opportunity Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, and the Loughborough Fund. Your support on Giving Day could ensure no student is left behind.

Training as an athlete, competing, and studying a degree requires dedication, sacrifice, and incurs significant costs. Sports Scholarships at Loughborough support students on performance programmes – and they wouldn't be possible without your support.

Earlier this year, more than 40 Loughborough sports scholars qualified to compete in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and more than half of them came home with a medal. Sports Scholarships give students the best possible chance to focus during their time at Loughborough – both in and out of the classroom.

Students on sports performance programmes at Loughborough all have differing needs for training camps, kit, and equipment. With your help, students can access the very best training on offer in their sport, all whilst studying for their degree.

David's story is one of many successes.

David has recently graduated with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. He is an 800m runner and is now beginning his master's degree in Physiology and Nutrition of Sport and Exercise. Without the support of a Sports Scholarship – kindly donated by an alum – David would have found it difficult to attend the training needed to reach his full potential, represent on the European stage, and have the best chance at securing his first professional contract. He said:

My Sports Scholarship was used to contribute towards my training camp in South Africa in April. South Africa is regarded as the optimal training environment for middle distance athletes like me due to its heat and altitude. With the flight and accommodation for nearly a month, this is a big expense, and the scholarship made it possible for me to access this vital part of my pre-season preparation.

Without a Sports Scholarship, access to training camps along with equipment would be made so much more difficult when combined with the cost of studying."

In August 2026, David set a new personal best of 1:45:31 in the 800m at the British Milers Club Grand Prix in Twickenham, winning the men's A race. He has competed for Great Britain at the Under 23 European Athletics Championships, at the World University Games, and competed in the British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) for Loughborough. David also shares insights into training and racing on YouTube.

Reflecting on the last year, David added:

I can't put into words how much this has helped my athletics journey over the past year."

During his time as an undergraduate student, David has transitioned from junior to senior athlete, undergone surgery that took him out of training for a few months, landed second place – narrowly missing out on first – in BUCS, and lowered his personal best.

Now, looking forward, David is hoping to gain his first professional contract.

Sports Scholarships provide students on a performance programme with up to £5,000 of funding per year. Your support counts.

You can help create the next generation of winners on the global stage this Giving Day.

17 November 2026 is Giving Day! The Loughborough community will come together once again to support students through Opportunity Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, and the Loughborough Fund. Your support on Giving Day could ensure no student is left behind.

Imagine having a plan for your future. Dedicating time to study, supporting a family, perhaps moving somewhere new. Now imagine losing the funding supporting you or you lose your job unexpectedly. That's the reality for some Loughborough students – and that is where your support can help.

The Loughborough Fund at the University is dedicated to supporting where the need is greatest. It covers a broad range of projects, offering help to students most in need during times of difficulty. It offers one-off financial help to students in unforeseen circumstances, when they have lost a source of income that is sustaining their studies, and offers zero interest loans to help students in emergency financial situations.

Many of these scenarios are deeply personal. The Fund is a safety net.

Last year, 425 students received emergency hardship support*, including this student. They said:

When I unexpectedly lost my job, I lost my main source of income. If I had not received help from the Hardship Fund, I would have struggled to cover basic living expenses while continuing my postgraduate studies.

The fund’s support helped me avoid more financial problems during a very uncertain time. Without this help, I probably would have had to pause or delay my studies to focus on earning enough to cover basic needs."

The emergency support provided through the Loughborough Fund offers those in hardship a lifeline – financially and emotionally.

The support given goes beyond finances: students understand that someone cares. The student added:

Knowing this support is available reassures students that they are not left alone when unexpected financial problems happen beyond their control.

It shows that the University understands the real challenges students face and wants to help them continue their studies.

This help made a real difference for my wellbeing and allowed me to keep moving forward with my studies during a hard transition."

Through the Loughborough Fund, you are ensuring students can continue studying at Loughborough and follow their dreams. A donation to the Loughborough Fund will impact a student during their time at Loughborough and beyond.

You can be the reason nobody is left behind this Giving Day.

17 November 2026 is Giving Day! The Loughborough community will come together once again to support students through Opportunity Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, and the Loughborough Fund. Your support on Giving Day could ensure no student is left behind.

*Statistics based on period 01/08/2025 to 31/07/2026.