Opportunity Scholarships

Worried about the thought of the expenses associated with attending university, the Opportunity Scholarship has enabled Sameer to really enjoy his time at Loughborough so far.

Growing up, Sameer’s family experienced a range of distressing and difficult events – not least his mother becoming ill and other key members of his family passing away.

The years during which Sameer was studying for GCSEs and A Levels weren’t the easiest. There was a lot of emotional stress, but despite this, he worked hard and achieved his place at university.

From a low-income background, Sameer’s Opportunity Scholarship has meant that he can confidently get involved in everything at Loughborough and set himself on a new track.

Sameer is studying Economics, and he is also a talented badminton player. Training and competing for the University, Sameer was able to give more time to his sport during his first year at university than he expected. To support himself financially, he expected to have to work many hours alongside his studies and training to stay afloat.

Thanks to an Opportunity Scholarship and his immense desire to work hard, Sameer is thriving. His scholarship has covered his accommodation, food, and travel expenses, allowing him to visit his parents regularly. He aspires to work as a data analyst.   

I just want to say thank you very much – Loughborough has helped shape my future. I wouldn’t be where I am without this scholarship. I will always remember the impact that my donor has had on my life.”  

Daisy, inspired by her scholarship, has been heavily involved in giving back to the local community by volunteering, organising soup kitchens and events for older people in the community: 

The scholarship doesn’t just fund the student,” she said, “it funds the wider community. It’s the domino effect of giving . I have been able to step outside of a box I didn’t even know I was in – this scholarship has given me breathing room, independence, and I have been able to find opportunities I would never have known even existed if I hadn’t come here.”  

Whilst he was growing up, Matty’s father developed terminal cancer and his mum became his carer, leaving Matty and his family without any financial backing.

His dream of studying at Loughborough to become an engineer was in doubt.

Thanks to a scholarship, he is now the first in his family to attend university. He finds himself in a position to inspire his younger relatives, who see a different pathway available to them.

In ten years, I can now see myself with a mortgage, being independent and working as a Chartered Engineer – none of this could have been possible without a scholarship. Growing up and seeing your parents struggle for money is hard. Now I know I hopefully won’t be in the same situation in the future.”