The Student Success Endowment: Aly

2025 marks my second year of receiving funding from the Student Success Endowment (SSE) and it has continued to have a huge impact on my wellbeing. Now in the final year of my marketing degree, I am finding it vital that I maintain my concentration levels. This is something that individuals with ADHD typically struggle with and has proven to be a challenge for me. I’ve adopted a holistic approach to my wellbeing by using the bursary funded by the SSE not only to cover the cost of my ADHD medication but also to fund a gym membership that keeps me active and offers a space to get away from the pressure of my studies.

Staying active has given me an outlet outside of the typical social scene that university offers. Due to my ADHD, I often feel restless or hyperactive, so the gym provides me with a necessary outlet to release this energy. It has also given me something to feel excited about, as I take part  in a variety of classes that test my fitness levels, such as pilates, spin, yoga and strength & conditioning classes.

Alleviating the stress of having to work alongside my studies in order to afford my medication has had a  positive impact on my health. Now I don’t have to worry about affording medication, my priorities can revolve around my studies and taking advantage of every opportunity that the university offers. With improved sleep and better time management, I’ve been able to establish a healthy routine. Not having to work to afford basic necessities such as medication is the primary reason why the funding from the SSE will have such a lasting impact on my mental health.  I am really  grateful to NTU and all those involved in the Student Success Endowment for continuing to advocate for lower income students, and recognising the struggles we face.