The scholarship has truly helped in letting me experience Sheffield like a student

How did you first hear about the Experience Sheffield scholarship?

I received an email in regards to the scholarship, and upon googling it, I thought I would apply due to being at home and commuting into Sheffield. This would be helpful in funding in all aspects.

How did you find out if you would be eligible to apply for the scholarship?

The information on who is eligible to apply is on the website in detail about the scholarship.

Do you receive any other financial support from the University, in addition to government support?

I qualify for a bursary. 

The University helps in other ways that money doesn’t

Shannon Hatfield

Experience Sheffield Scholarship recipient

How did you find writing your application for the Experience Sheffield scholarship?

I thought it was a great way to discuss what you want and it helps you understand what you want for the future. I found it difficult to write about myself, as a mum you can forget yourself.

What would you say to a prospective student currently thinking about applying for the scholarship? Do you have any advice?

I was not fortunate enough to get it initially but a couple of weeks before University started, I received an email saying I had been successful.

Whether or not you get the scholarship, you should know you are amazing, and capable of the years ahead. The scholarship helps but the University helps in other ways that money doesn't. There is no harm in applying and seeing if you are eligible because overall it’s a win-win situation.

How has being awarded the Experience Sheffield scholarship made a difference to your time at Sheffield?

I am a single parent with a 6 year old, and I have my own house with bills that need to be paid. The challenges of being a parent can be difficult but this scholarship has allowed me to focus on myself too - using it to go shopping or for a meal with friends, buying books and putting it towards a laptop. 

The scholarship has truly helped in letting me experience Sheffield like a student. The day I got the email about my scholarship acceptance, I felt relieved and happy.