The Student Fund, made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends, is helping to ease financial barriers and open up new opportunities for students at Liverpool.
Rebekah, a first-year student in Medicinal Chemistry, shares how receiving the Liverpool Bursary has helped ease financial stress, build her confidence, and make the most of her university life.
Liverpool experience
When I first applied to university, I chose Law because it felt like the 'right' choice – something that seemed sensible and respected. But deep down, it didn’t feel like me. I’ve always loved science, especially chemistry, but I think I doubted whether I was good enough to pursue it. I’d done well in my GCSEs, but I struggled with self-doubt, especially after being given predicted grades because of the pandemic. I ended up taking a gap year to figure out what I really wanted. That space made all the difference.
Eventually, I did a Foundation year in Biological Sciences at Liverpool. That was the turning point. I was getting consistently high marks in chemistry, which encouraged me to consider the Medicinal Chemistry course. I hadn’t even thought about it before, but as soon as I did, it just clicked. I felt excited – like I’d finally found something that made sense to me. I’ve had support from the Scholars programme, which has been amazing – it helped me feel like I wasn’t alone, like I deserved to be here.
Living at home means I travel in and out of campus every day. It’s not a short trip, and public transport isn’t cheap. The bursary helps me cover that cost and other basic needs such as groceries and living expenses. Without it, I’d probably be working most evenings and weekends, and that would mean missing out on the things that make university such a full experience.
The Liverpool Bursary
Without the bursary, I think I would be a lot more stressed and anxious and would be working a lot more jobs around university time, which would affect my studies and therefore my grades. Having the bursary means I can focus on my studies, which is really beneficial as my course is very content-heavy.
Because I’m not constantly worried about money, I’ve been able to get involved in societies – I sing in the Band Society, and I volunteer with the Legal Society’s Speed Negotiations competition. I also work as a Student Advocate, leading campus tours and supporting outreach events for younger students. I love it, especially the chance to help people who might not see university as an option.
Last year, at age 21, I was diagnosed with ADHD. It answered a lot of questions I’d had about why I sometimes struggled to concentrate or stay organised. Getting that diagnosis was emotional; it made me rethink how I’ve been navigating things for so long, but it’s also helped me find better strategies. The University’s wellbeing and disability support teams have been amazing. I finally feel like I have the tools I need to succeed.
A message of thanks
The bursary has shaped my university journey, and knowing that the Student Fund is available has been really important for me. You never really know when financial hardship might hit – even with the best planning, life can throw things at you. Just knowing that support is there if you ever need it makes such a difference. It takes away some of the stress and anxiety that so many students carry about money.
Thank you to everyone who donates – your support means more than you probably realise. It’s a huge comfort to know there’s help out there if you need it.
About the Student Fund
The Student Fund has played a vital role in helping Rebekah navigate her university journey, and it continues to support her each day. She is just one of many students whose time at Liverpool has been transformed thanks to your generosity. With your continued support, more students like Rebekah will have the chance to overcome financial barriers, afford basic needs, and make the most of everything university life has to offer.