Where you start should not limit where you go in your future.

The University of Opportunity Fund is designed to ensure talented students are able to access higher education, succeed while they are at York and build bright futures beyond graduation, regardless of their background or the barriers they face.

For Isobel, it meant knowing there were people looking out for her when she needed them most. Her story is just one example of how your generosity helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome challenges beyond their control and realise their potential.

“What I remember most isn't the practical support. It's knowing that, during one of the most difficult periods of my life, there were people looking out for me.” - Isobel, 2nd Year Law Student

Isobel's story

When Isobel arrived at York, she was grieving the loss of her mum while caring for her grandad, who had raised her since she was 13. Before she even started university, staff contacted her to explain the support available and reassure her that she wouldn't have to face university alone.

It’s often in those early stages of considering and applying for university that students require the reassurance that there will be financial support and experienced guidance to help them see that university isn’t just a dream, but a real possibility.

Sadly, during her first year, Isobel’s grandad passed away. Suddenly, she was trying to cope with losing the person who had raised her while also worrying about whether she would have a roof over her head and would be able to continue her studies.

The support she received through the University of Opportunity gave her the stability she needed to remain at York, find housing stability and continue working towards her ambition of becoming a lawyer. Today, Isobel is completing her law degree and hopes to build a career advocating for people facing vulnerability and disadvantage.

How your support makes a difference

The University of Opportunity Fund provides practical support, financial assistance and opportunities that help students overcome barriers to education and achieve their potential. Depending on where the need is greatest, your gift could help provide:

• Bursaries and scholarships
• Emergency financial support
• Accommodation and settling-in support
• Mentoring, wellbeing and peer support
• Support with the costs of joining clubs and societies
• Careers and employability support

The Fund supports students from a wide range of backgrounds, including:

• Care-experienced and estranged students
• Students from less advantaged backgrounds with low household incomes
• Students with physical or mental disabilities
• Mature and commuting students
• Students from ethnic minority backgrounds, including South Asian, Black and Traveller communities
• First-generation students

Every gift helps provide the support, encouragement and opportunities students need to succeed at York and beyond.

“The support changed my life by giving me stability at a time when I had none. It made me feel safe when I was struggling most.” - Isobel, 2nd Year Law Student

Will you help the next student like Isobel?

The University of Opportunity Fund exists to ensure where someone starts in life does not limit where they can go in the future. By making a gift today, you'll help more students facing barriers to education access the support they need to succeed at York and build brighter futures beyond graduation.