A scholarship is about more than making ends meet - it’s about creating memories and unlocking opportunities. Your donations give Nottingham students the peace of mind to dive into university life, whether that’s joining societies, having the free time to walk around the beautiful campus or embracing activities like conferences and internships to help lay the foundations for a successful career. Thank you for empowering them to focus on what really matters: their future.

Sadie-Rosa Jefferson

For first year Environmental Biology student Sadie-Rosa Jefferson though, it wasn’t just her future she is thinking about – it’s the future of our planet!

“I really want to do something about the climate crisis, so I looked into the courses available and the Environmental Biology at Nottingham course was perfect,” explained Sadie-Rosa. “Once I’ve finished the degree, it can lead to lots of different areas: research to pioneer solutions, working in conservation on the front line or helping local communities to build solutions, rather than just stepping in and imposing something.”

Sadie-Rosa’s interest in the environment was a big part of why she chose to study at Nottingham.

“I really like that there’s so much nature on campus,” she said. “The fact I can walk around such a beautiful lake after a long lecture is just good for the soul. I feel so comfortable here. The atmosphere feels friendly and intellectual.

“I joined the Conservation Society because I wanted to give something back to the campus because, not only is it so beautiful, but I can put what I’m learning on my course to practical use. So far we’ve planted trees and hedges - which aligned nicely with my habitat management module - we’ve built little wildlife refuges and cleared out weeds from the pond in the Millennium Garden. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Without her scholarship, Sadie-Rosa feels like she may have had less time to enjoy the benefits of the campus or be able to join the Conservation Society, as she would have been forced to work long hours in a part-time job to make ends meet.

When I was getting towards the end of school, I was thinking I might not even go to university because I just didn’t have the money. I did a gap year to build up something but even then I wasn’t sure if it would be sustainable.
Sadie-Rosa

“When I was getting towards the end of school, I was thinking I might not even go to university because I just didn’t have the money. I did a gap year to build up something but even then I wasn’t sure if it would be sustainable.

“When I found out I would receive the scholarship, it was an immediate weight off my shoulders. I felt lucky that I would be able to get as much out of the university experience as others who may be in a better financial position.

“A scholarship can make a really big difference to someone like me. Supporters aren’t just investing in people – they’re investing in the future. Our education is going to influence what happens in the next generation and what we do with that knowledge will determine how the world works. Thank you for believing in the future!”