This letter is to be used as an example only. The person who supports your scholarship would love to hear about your experiences at university in your own words.
Dear Supporter,
Thank you so much for your continued support of my studies at the University of Leeds. Your generosity has enabled me to grasp this opportunity without worrying about money. As I look back over my year here, I am proud to think of all I have achieved so far. and I am delighted to let you know a little about what I’ve been up to this year.
As the first in my family to go to university, I was unsure of what to expect of higher education and I found some aspects of my first year here quite challenging. For example, I had to learn how to budget and cook for myself, how to plan and use my time well between lectures and how to access resources, as well as getting to grips with topics and study techniques that were completely new to me. However, I took confidence from knowing that I had won a place at a respected university, and from the belief you showed in me by generously providing me with a scholarship. I am happy to say that through hard work, with your support, I have risen to the challenge.
I am really enjoying my course so far. Sociology covers such a broad range of topics. This year my favourite module was Debates in Childhood and Youth; it has been so interesting to explore different ways in which social policy can address the issues affecting young people today. I also enjoyed the module in Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods; my lecturer is an expert in her field, and I have had the opportunity to talk to her about possible career paths in social research, which I had never considered before. I’ve achieved great results in my exams and have received really useful feedback on my assignments. I am looking forward to next year when I can take modules in Education, Culture and Society, and Contemporary Children, Young People and Families, which I hope will broaden my understanding of social policies affecting young people and suggest areas of research I can focus on in my dissertation.
Something I have learnt recently is the importance of taking breaks away from studying so this year I have really made the most of living in Leeds. It’s such a vibrant city and there is so much to do here. I have used my free weekends to explore the local areas with my friends. I have also been taking advantage of the many different experiences the Leeds University Union’s clubs and societies have to offer. I was really keen to learn a new skill and meet new people, so I went along to a virtual ‘Give It a Go’ event and joined the Gryphon Newspaper. I have never been part of anything like this club before, but I have really enjoyed learning from the more experienced members and it has been brilliant to make friends from different courses, who I never would have met otherwise.
This year I have been applying for summer internships and have had several interviews so far. I was incredibly nervous at my first interview and thought it hadn’t gone well. However, I persevered, asked advice from University staff in the Plus Programme, and did much better the next time! I am now delighted to tell you that I have secured a summer placement at a London-based charity with a mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children. This role will enable me to develop my communication skills and observe the impact of social work in local communities. I am really excited about it and can’t wait to get started. I’ll be able to tell you all about it in my update next year!
I started university expecting that a degree would increase my knowledge of a subject, but in reality it has done something far greater. It has inspired me to ask more questions and seek out new experiences and opened up exciting possibilities for my future career. I have loved my time at Leeds so far and in any moment of doubt, your investment in me gives me courage and motivates me to keep on striving to succeed.
Thank you again for your support.