Participation for all
Enjoying a rich university experience is about so much more than just getting a degree. Being able to actively participate in campus activities builds confidence, hones skills and boosts CVs. But financial barriers mean many students miss out on these vital opportunities. You can change that.
In brief:
- Everyone should have the chance to experience a rich and full university life
- Social activities, clubs and societies help students build confidence, develop skills, and forge lifelong friendships - but financial barriers mean many miss out
- Supporters like you fund life-changing scholarships that give talented students the chance they truly deserve to get involved - but there’s many more who need your help
An unforgettable student experience for all
Our Students’ Union is the No.1 in the country. It's a buzzing and inclusive hub, offering a chance to explore more than 350 clubs and societies, hone new talents, build fast friendships, and create enduring memories.
With such a dizzying array of groups and activities to get involved with, the vast majority of our graduates leave Sheffield with so much more than a degree. However, we know that some individuals face more challenging barriers to wider participation at university.
Case study: Scholarships
Thousands of supporters like you already help students by funding much-needed scholarships. But the situation for young people struggling to make ends meet has worsened in recent years. Without further support, many will miss out on the equal chance to succeed and thrive.
The fact I was awarded a scholarship was unbelievable to me, as I finally had the freedom to live like a ‘normal’ student. The first thing I did was put my scholarship money towards a new laptop with Microsoft Word installed. Almost all my work is accessed online these days so the upgrade was needed, but not something I could afford myself.
Caitlin Hardy
BA Politics and International Relations
Improving outcomes for disadvantaged and underrepresented students
Scholarships are our greatest tool in tackling inequality. Because, ironically, it’s often those with the most to gain from university life who have the most to worry about financially if they get here.
They alleviate money worries and reduce drop-out rates, they inspire confidence and enable participation in activities. In fact, without this financial support, many wouldn't even take a chance on coming to university in the first place.
You can make sure no student misses out
Sheffield scholarships change lives, because they provide a fairer level of support.
Right now, generous donors support around 350 new undergraduate and 100 new postgraduate scholarships every year. This is testament to the incredible community of Sheffield supporters.
But of the hundreds of eligible undergraduates who apply, only 40% are successful. You can change that.
Will you join in our bold ambition to award 750 undergraduate scholarships and 150 postgraduate scholarships every year by 2025?
Yes, I will help
An education at what cost?
Regardless of how much potential an individual has, the cost of being a student is not equal for everyone.
For students already experiencing some form of disadvantage, the cost of even a modest living will always be a harsh reality.
They enter university with the lowest income and leave with the highest debt. They can work part-time to support themselves, but multiple jobs at unsocial hours means less time to study and participate in university life.
Without extra help, these students will always struggle to experience the same depth and breadth of university life as their peers, despite deserving it every bit as much.
Sheffield knows and understands inequality. We see it, and - with your kind support - we confront it head on.