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Fiona Holingsworth
studying a BA in History at
Goldsmiths, University of London
When I came to choose if, and
what, to study at university both
I, and many of my friends, were
very confused over all the courses
on offer; if I could afford to go and
would I be able to cope with the
work load. However, for me, I had
lost my father only a few weeks
before the UCAS deadline. This
made the decision rushed and
panicked and I ended up choosing a
completely different course to what
I am studying now.
I absolutely love my History
degree! – I have studied the Greeks,
Romans, Renaissance, Medieval
period, Empires, WWs I & II and even
London history. We are expected
to read around the topic, which
allows us to explore parts of history that really interest us! I quickly
picked up the new and much more independent way of studying at
university, and I much prefer it to A Levels.
I don’t think that I could have done so well at university without the
help of the Trust. London is one of the most expensive cities in the
world and involves a lot of hard work just to live here, let alone hold
down a degree. It has helped me with living costs, books and trips,
as well as letting me have the ability to enjoy London and some of
the benefits that it has to offer! When I left for university after my
father had died, I felt very alone and worried about how I would
cope. The Trust has given me so much support and I cannot thank
them enough. I love my course and my city, and if I could offer any
advice to KEVICC’s next university hopefuls, I would tell them to
pick a course that you really want to study and will enjoy; live in the
student halls of residence or with fellow students in your first year
(because that how you make real friends), and pick a city which you
will enjoy living in!
Katie Phillips
studying a BA in English at the University of Exeter
Before travelling to university I realised howmuch I would truly be leaving behind and that
was the moment I really began to feel nervous. I was worried about not being able to afford
everything, from food to washing powder. I said goodbye to my family and unpacked.
Nervously, I went into the kitchen and one by one was joined by my new flatmates. We
spent the evening together, laughing and getting to know each other. Now, at the end of
my first year at the university of Exeter I can honestly say that those six people I was
initially so scared to introduce myself to are friends for life. Cooking and cleaning is no big
deal and living with people that are in exactly the same boat as me has really helped. We
encourage each other and are there for each other when the stresses of deadlines are upon
us. Life at university is great! We often go for BBQ’s on the beach after lectures and chat by
the fire long into the night. Being at university gives you the freedom to live independently
and be yourself whilst studying a course you have always wanted to study. Of course, there are times that you find more
difficult than others but first year at university has been a wonderful experience that I will never forget.
The Trust has allowed me to join societies where I have met many close friends as well as all the books I have needed
whilst studying English. It has also allowed me to live more comfortably without the worry that I will run out of money.
I am extremely grateful for the trust and it has allowed me to grow into a more confident person and deepen my
understanding of the subject I love: literature.
Kirsty Race
studying a textile design degree at the
University of Falmouth
Whilst studying at Kennicott, it seemed many
people were decided on continuing their
education at university, I on the other hand
had no idea what I wanted to pursue. Therefore
I decided the Totnes Art Foundation Course
could be a good step forward, it wasn’t a leap
to university but it was something I had a
passion for. This then gave me the confidence
to continue on to uni and I am so glad I did.
What a year it's been – for anyone who may
have doubts like I did, all I can say is just do
it! I have learnt so many incredible new things,
met amazing people and grown as a person
both creatively and socially. My course, Textile
Design, can come with some hefty bills and
consequently the Mary Lidstone Trust Fund has
allowed me to feel more at ease with the cost of
materials and processes. Alongside this, I have
been able to explore my new surroundings and
enjoy what university life has to offer with new
friends. I have most recently helped a third
year set up her final degree show and it has
provided me with a huge wealth of knowledge
that I can take forward not only into my second
and third years of my course, but into life.
All in all, my
first year at
University has
been a great
e x p e r i e n c e ,
and I cannot
wait to see
what exciting
opportunities
the
future
may bring.
Mary Lidstone Trust
