Hi! I’m Sophie, a second-year student studying BSc Marketing at Teesside University. I’m from Middlesbrough and like a lot of people, I was excited and nervous about starting uni. I chose to study marketing because of my love for both business and psychology, it was the perfect match for me!
When I found out I had been awarded the TUIBS Scholarship for Excellence in my first year, I honestly couldn’t believe it. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted and looking back, it’s made such a big difference to my uni journey so far.
Finding out about the scholarship
I found out about the scholarship not long after I started my course at Teesside. It was awarded based on my A-level results and academic achievements and I didn’t have to apply! It was a scholarship the university granted automatically. I remember getting the email and thinking, is this real? I was so proud and honestly a little bit shocked. It was the first time I’d ever been recognised in that way, and it really boosted my confidence.
How has it helped me?
The financial support came at just the right time with so much to budget for in your first year. Basic expenses aren’t as much of an issue here at Teesside due to the lower cost of living in our area. The scholarship helped take some of the pressure off of things like books, travel and just everyday life.
One of the first things I used it for was a new laptop. I’d been struggling with an old one that kept crashing. Being able to buy a reliable laptop meant I could keep up with assignments and coursework when I was at home and not panic at deadlines! It just made it all so much easier.
Moments that made it all worth it
There were a few key moments in that first year that made me realise just how much the scholarship had helped. Whether it was staying up late to finish an assignment without tech issues or not having to worry about every pound I was spending, it gave me room to breathe. And that meant I could enjoy the experience of being at uni.
But more than that, it made me feel like my hard work had been noticed. I felt like the uni believed in me and it gave me a push to keep going and make the most of my course. I said yes to as many things as possible whether it was events or sporting opportunities.
Thinking of applying for a scholarship?
If you’re about to start uni at Teesside, I really recommend looking at the support that’s on offer for you. It might feel intimidating at first, but you don’t know the impact it could have on your journey. It could make a huge difference, like it did for me.
There’s a range of scholarships and bursaries on offer to support students just like you! Don’t miss out- visit the scholarships and bursaries page to find out what you could be eligible for.
