Scholarship update FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions by scholars answering Q&A.

What should I write about?

This is your chance to thank the supporter(s) of your scholarship and to let them know how you’re getting on at university. The answers to your questions should bring your time at Leeds to life. Think about:

How your scholarship has helped you, eg by covering the cost of essential items and / or additional activities
How your course is progressing – challenges you’ve overcome, achievements you’re proud of, favourite modules or projects
Extracurricular activities you’ve been involved with eg sports, societies, volunteering
If you’re graduating in 2022, how have you changed and what have you learnt during your time at Leeds? What are your hopes for the future and how has your scholarship helped you pursue these ambitions?

Who am I writing to and who reads my update?

Your answers will be used to update those who support and facilitate your scholarship – this includes internal University staff and the donor(s) of your scholarship. Many scholarship donors are alumni – former Leeds students who want to help others benefit from the opportunities and experiences they enjoyed at university. Some scholarships are supported by a business or charitable organisation. You can find more information in your scholarship contract, which you signed when you first received your scholarship.

When you submit your answers in the Typeform, you will be asked whether you are willing for your scholarship update questionnaire (or quotes from it) to be shared in University communications with alumni and supporters. The aims of these communications include raising awareness of how scholarships can transform students’ lives, celebrating the achievements of scholarship students and helping us raise funds to provide more scholarships for future Leeds students.

Here are a few examples of how we share scholarship stories:

As a short article on the University website
As a video on the Leeds alumni YouTube channel
In brochures and magazines, both digital and print.

It’s up to you whether you are happy to share your scholarship story in this way – if you prefer not to, you can opt out within the Typeform by selecting the statement that limits sharing to internal University staff and the direct supporters of your scholarship. If you have any questions about this, please email the Stewardship team at stewardship@leeds.ac.uk.

I’m on a Year Abroad / Year in Industry – do I need to complete the survey?

Yes. Supporters love to hear about how this year away from Leeds has enriched your university degree with new and different experiences.

How long should my answers be?

We would encourage you to provide as much detail as you can, including clear examples. Try to write between 50–200 words in each section where a free text box is provided for your answer.

I’ve actually found this year really difficult and I’m not sure what to write

Please don’t worry. We understand that students can face many challenges whilst at university. If things haven’t gone as well as you hoped this year, you can be honest about that – but there is also no pressure to write about anything you feel uncomfortable sharing.

If you’ve had a difficult year, you might feel you don’t have anything very impressive or exciting to write about, but remember that making it to university, persevering through challenges and seeking help when you need it are all achievements in themselves. If you feel able to write about any ways that your scholarship has helped you through the tough times, your donor will really appreciate this and will be especially glad that they were able to support you when you needed it.

If you still have concerns about writing your update, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.

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