Category: Money and finance

How the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship helped me fund postgraduate study

Author Student Views | Posted on

By Hanna, MSc Physician Associate Studies

In this blog, Hanna shares how receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship made postgraduate study possible and opened the door to training as a physician associate. She offers practical tips for scholarship applications and reflects on the skills, experiences and career ambitions she has developed along the way. Read more.

“Without this scholarship, doing a master’s simply wouldn’t have been possible. I’ve always loved learning and was proud to be the first in my family to finish university, but postgraduate study felt out of reach. As the eldest in an immigrant family, I’ve seen how education can open doors, but the financial reality was a huge barrier.”

One of my teachers once told me that only 8% of Black students go on to complete a master’s. That statistic stuck with me, but it still felt unrealistic. I didn’t even have a course in mind, and the cost alone put me off. During my undergraduate degree, several lecturers encouraged me to consider a master’s, and when I found out about this scholarship, it felt like a door opening.

I came across the scholarship while researching ways to help fund my tuition. Once I found it, I reached out to get more information and was sent the application form. The process from there was really straightforward.

My top 3 tips for scholarship applications

  1. Be authentic. I remember thinking I hadn’t done anything groundbreaking, but I focused on what I had done and why I was passionate about my subject. Your real experiences are enough.
  2. Start early. The word count was small, so every sentence had to work hard. I went through several drafts. Starting early gave me time to re-read and edit  without feeling rushed.
  3. Stick to the brief. This scholarship is about how you align with the university’s values. I kept going back to the criteria and ticking them off to make sure I covered everything.

Life as a postgraduate student

I’m studying to become a physician associate. I love learning about different medical conditions and applying that knowledge in real-life settings. I enjoy the flexibility the role offers as it allows you to move between specialities and develop a broad base of medical knowledge.

“What I enjoy most is interacting with patients.  Every conversation is unique, and knowing I’m making a difference is really motivating.”

Skills I’m developing

This course is intense and demands a lot of independent study. I’ve had to develop strong time management and resilience to keep up. Communication has also been a key skill. Explaining complex conditions in simple terms has made me think more carefully about how I speak. I’ve also grown in confidence working in teams, both with peers in simulated consultations and with professionals during placements. I’ve learned to be adaptable and contribute effectively.

Looking ahead

I hope this course leads to a fulfilling career where I can make a real difference. I want to deliver person-centred care and be someone patients trust. I’m currently interested in emergency medicine, though I’m open to exploring other specialities as I gain more experience. One day, I’d love to teach and support future Physician Associate students.

Find out more about the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and Physician Associate Studies.

How the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship made postgrad study a reality

Author Student Views | Posted on

By Leila, MSc Public Health

In this blog, Leila explains how the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship has made her experience of postgraduate study so positive. She shares her tips for other students thinking of applying for the scholarship. Read more.

Starting postgraduate study at UWE Bristol had been a long-term goal for me, but affording it was a different story. That’s where the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship came in.

“Receiving the scholarship made a huge difference. It meant I could stretch my maintenance loan further and focus less on finances and more on my studies. It’s not just the financial help, being awarded the scholarship felt like a real privilege. I’m proud to say I’m here because of it.”

Building on my undergraduate skills

One of the best parts of postgraduate study has been putting what I learned during my BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences  into practice. I’ve been able to apply those skills to my current course, and that’s helped build my confidence massively. Assignments feel less intimidating now; I plan better, I think more critically, and I’m getting more out of the experience.

The course itself has been packed with opportunities to grow. From leadership in the first semester to project management and research in the second, every stage has pushed me forward.

“I’ve developed time management, writing skills, and a real sense of direction for where I want to go next.”

And speaking of what’s next, I’ve got my eye on a PhD. I’d love to work in infectious disease management, ideally with the UK Health Security Agency. Between my undergrad and this master’s, I genuinely feel prepared to take that next step.

Applying for the Scholarship

Since I’d done my BSc at UWE, I already knew about the opportunity. You apply for your course first, and once you’ve got an offer, you can apply for the scholarship. I will say, I wish I’d known earlier exactly when the scholarship application would open. I ended up emailing to check, which added a bit of stress during my final undergrad year. But because I’d been tracking my achievements (volunteering, awards, work experience, even sports) for years, I was able to pull together a strong application.

My top tips for future applicants

If you’re thinking about PG study or a scholarship, here are my top tips:

For postgrad study:

  • Speak to your programme lead, they’ll give you a clearer picture of the course.
  • Look into the modules. Talk to current students if you can.
  • Pick something you genuinely care about. Passion matters.

For applying for a scholarship:

  • Brag. Seriously. Every bit of experience counts.
  • Highlight your transferrable skills.
  • Show how the course ties into your future goals, and how you’ll give back to the UWE community.

Postgrad life isn’t always easy, but with the right support and a bit of self-belief,  it’s absolutely worth it.

Find out more about the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and  postgraduate study.

Living on a student budget during the cost-of-living crisis

Author Student Views | Posted on

By Laila, BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science

Life as a student in Bristol is fun and exciting, and even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your student budget further. Here are some helpful tips that help me to budget and save money.

Meal planning to save money

I’ve always loved cooking and really enjoy choosing what new meals to make. So, I decided to learn how to make the most out of my meals and save money by meal planning, cooking in batches and shopping smart. I try to fit meal planning into my weekly schedule. I start by looking for my inspiration on budget-friendly, ‘easy to prepare’ recipes on TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram and then I create my shopping list. When I shop, I always look for discounts and deals, and try to buy store-branded items, as you can save loads doing this.

When I’m on Frenchay Campus, I head over to the fruit and veg stall in E block and buy some ingredients there. They have loads of fruit and vegetables from local suppliers for very affordable prices. I tend to prepare larger portions to cook in batch as the leftovers serve as great future meals and can be frozen for my busier days – saving both time and money.

Life as a student in Bristol is fun and exciting, and even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your student budget further.

The Students’ Union events

The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol host events to help you with the cost-of-living. My housemates and I went to the Students’ Union with our own containers to fill with hot food to either freeze, or eat for lunch/dinner – and this is all for free.

They also host other events like this to help students with the cost-of-living such as the ‘bring your own bag event’, where you can go along to fill your bag with lots of household items and food products – all for free.

They also offer many fun activities to do for free, which is a great way to save money and a good alternative to going out. My friends and I are going to the ‘Potheads’ workshop to make some clay plant pots, which is a fun activity to do on a budget.

Cost-effective, eco-friendly travel

When I moved to Bristol, I knew it was called a ‘cycling city’, so, when I moved into my first-year house, I bought  a second-hand bike to cycle to campus. It’s not only faster than the bus or walking, but I save money on bus fares and get daily exercise that energises me for the day.

UWE Bristol also has a bike loan scheme that allows you to hire a bike for the year for free, with a £40 refundable deposit. There are some great cycling routes to take advantage of, while saving money on transport and helping the environment too.

So even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your budget and still have a great time at university.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

Navigating the cost-of-living crisis as a student at UWE Bristol

Author Student Views | Posted on

By Jessica, BA(Hons) English Language and Linguistics

Living as a student in Bristol has been an incredible adventure filled with exciting new experiences, academic growth, and valuable life lessons. Throughout my journey at the UWE Bristol, I’ve discovered how to tap into what’s on offer to make living costs more manageable. Here in this blog, I’m going to delve deeper into how I’ve been able to stretch my budget further while here. This includes everything from affordable public transport, diverse job opportunities, student discounts, and cheap eats.

Public transport discounts

Bristol’s public transport is both convenient and affordable and commuting in Bristol is easy. First Bus, the city’s primary bus operator, goes the extra mile to support students by offering discounts. Whether you’re heading to lectures, exploring Bristol’s beautiful parks, or discovering hidden gems, the bus network has become an essential part of my daily routine. Not only do the discounts make getting around more affordable, but they also encourage students like me to embrace all that Bristol has to offer.

Lots of job opportunities

Bristol’s vibrant economy is teeming with diverse job opportunities, making it an ideal place for students to earn while they learn. There are plenty of part-time jobs available in retail and hospitality, which is ideal to fit around your studies.

Bristol’s vibrant economy is teeming with diverse job opportunities.

Student discounts and benefits

As a student city, Bristol really values its students and there are so many discounts available using the TOTUM card. This student discount card opens doors to huge savings. From discounted cinema tickets to gym memberships and more, the TOTUM card has become a trusted companion for students looking for fun activities they can afford. Being able to unwind with friends at the movies or maintain a healthy lifestyle at a reduced cost supports our budget and enhances our overall university experience.

Great food at a price you can afford

Bristol’s food scene offers a tantalising mix of flavours, catering to all tastes and budgets. Among the many culinary discoveries I’ve made, one that stands out is the fruit and veg stall on Frenchay Campus. This hidden gem offers an array of fresh produce at incredibly reasonable prices, allowing students like me to maintain a healthy diet on a budget. Also UWE Bristol is great at providing a wide range of good, affordable food on campus without putting a strain on our wallets.

My time here at UWE Bristol has been unforgettable and despite the cost-of-living crisis, it is possible to have a great time and find ways to live well on a student budget.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

How to save money as a UWE Bristol student

Author Student Views | Posted on

By Maria, BSc(Hons) Criminology with Psychology

As a final-year student, I know the struggle of having spent years saving. There are always challenges beyond our control and the rising cost-of-living is one such challenge we all face. I soon realised that I needed to adapt my lifestyle to survive these difficult times financially. So let’s take a look at my tips to help you save money too.

I soon realised that I needed to adapt my lifestyle to survive these difficult times financially.

Consider your transport costs

For people who work part-time and only work a few days each week, instead of using a weekly bus pass, use the 2-trip pass. I only work a few days per week, and I don’t really go out often, so that’s why I now use the 2-trip (return) bus pass, which is £2.70, whereas a whole week would cost me £18.80. This has saved me loads of money – so that’s £10 to save in my piggy bank.

Take advantage of the many Students’ Union offers

If you can’t live without your mocha frappés at Starbucks, especially during hot summer months, the struggle is real. One thing I really love now are the offers you get from the Students’ Union. From iced lattés to lemon water to the ‘bring a bag’ days on campus where you can fill your bag with free food, there’s so much on offer. They post every offer and activity available on Instagram and in the student comms too, so you need to keep an eye out for any updates. The free food giveaways at the Students’ Union offer a great selection of vegetarian and meat options – it’s a fun thing to do with your mates. What is not to like about freebies after all, especially when you’re a student.

Find your inner chef

One of the things many of us don’t enjoy is … cooking. For me, Fridays are for takeaways or going to that Italian restaurant at Cabot Circus in the centre. But remember the more money you save, the better it is for you.

You can definitely save money by cooking your own meals more. That recipe you liked on Instagram last year would come in handy now, especially if it’s student friendly. I was really pleased as I managed to make five meals for £10 – my parents were very impressed. There are Instagram accounts specifically catering for student budget meals that taste as good as those from a pub or restaurant. Also, those TikTok videos from student chefs will save you a ton of time prepping, buying, and cooking rather than paying for the bus ticket and spending it elsewhere.

I was really pleased as I managed to make five meals for £10.

Save, save, save

We can all focus on saving if we really want to and when we need to. Just think of all that money you save can go towards those ever-increasing bills. Also, changing the way you think can help you to change your lifestyle and often this is for the better. Despite these hard economic times, you can still have a good time like seeing your mates for a coffee at the Students’ Union or making a meal with friends at home. There are plenty of opportunities for connecting with people, without all the expense.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

How working part-time helped Zoe to fund her master’s and land her dream career in Engineering.

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By Zoe, BEng(Hons) and MEng Aerospace Engineering graduate.

Aerospace Engineering graduate, Zoe, tells us how, despite financial challenges during her postgraduate degree, she’s managed to fulfil her dream of working in the space industry. Keep reading to find out more about Zoe’s story.

Continue reading “How working part-time helped Zoe to fund her master’s and land her dream career in Engineering.”

How I manage my money as a postgraduate student at UWE Bristol.

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By Opeyemi, MSc International Management student.

Our postgraduate student, Opeyemi, tells us how he’s overcome his money worries at university through the wide range of financial support on offer at UWE Bristol. He shares his top tips on how he’s managing his money during his master’s degree. Keep reading to find out more about Opeyemi’s story.

Continue reading “How I manage my money as a postgraduate student at UWE Bristol.”

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