Sanctuary Student Voice
Hear from our Sanctuary Scholars
I've always had a strong desire to learn and create a better future, but the path to university hasn't been easy. I've always valued education, but for a long time university felt like an impossible dream because of my immigration status.
My biggest challenge was not having access to student finance, the financial barrier made everything feel out of reach and I struggled with feelings of isolation. It was hard seeing others move forward while I felt stuck waiting for decisions about my future. It took a lot of emotional resilience and patience to keep pushing forward.
When I found out I'd received the Asylum Seeker Scholarship at the University of Liverpool I couldn't believe it. I remember just sitting quietly, letting it sink in. It felt like someone had finally seen my struggles and said "You matter. You deserve a chance."
The scholarship allowed me to fully engage with my studies, without being held back by financial worries. I've had the chance to explore areas of tech I'm passionate about and consider career paths I never thought possible before. It also opened the door to volunteering, getting involved with student societies and developing skills I know will help me in the future.
Without this support, I don't think I would have had a university experience at all. The pressure of not knowing how I would afford even the basics (like textbooks or transport) would have overshadowed everything else. It would have been impossible to focus on my studies or truly immerse myself in University life. The scholarship gave me more than just financial relief - it gave me the space to grow, dream and believe in my own potential. Without it, I would've been stuck, just trying to survive, rather than truly thrive.
In 2014 I entered the UK as the dependent of an asylum seeker. Without speaking a word of English, I found it so tough integrating into a new society that seemed different from home. I was given the opportunity to go to school and sixth form where I learned the language, made new friends, and became part of the British custom. Having finished my A levels, I was struggling to find a university that would provide me with a further learning experience and offer to accommodate my finances, then I received a call from the University of Liverpool - the best day of my life to date. The scholarship allowed me to conduct my undergraduate studies in architecture; despite being a tough course, I achieved a 2:1 overall. The learning experience was immense and challenging, but my life would have been so different had it not been for the scholarship! Being a student has given me friends, a future, and amazing memories. I believe that gaining a scholarship is life changing; I have learned so much, gained new skills and integrated into a society that I found difficult to be in prior. For this I am truly appreciative. The support from the University has been amazing; through the care and help of staff and the scholarship I am in a better position in my life.