The Student Success Endowment: Kelly
Architecture student Kelly is passionate about designing buildings that prioritize people and community. Thanks to the support of the Student Success Endowment, she has been able to take this passion further and leads an NTSU society to provide meals to those without homes.
It gives me peace of mind that I can still comfortably maintain my hobbies; it has made such a phenomenal positive impact on my mental health and helped me be able to join in and appreciate my time in the city.
Kelly, BArch Architecture
I have always been really enthusiastic about architecture that focuses on people’s wellbeing. It combines everything that I enjoy, such as drawing, model making and designing sustainably to improve people’s lives.
Outside of my studies, my main hobby is playing the piano. I have been practising since I was seven years old, and it is a way for me to relax and take a break from coursework. With support from the bursary provided by the Student Success Endowment (SSE), it has made it possible for me to afford a membership at the NTU music centre which gives me access to instruments and spaces to practice, helping me to be less anxious and giving me a way to de-stress during exam periods.
I am extremely thankful and it gives me peace of mind that I can still comfortably maintain my hobbies; it has made such a phenomenal positive impact on my mental health! Alongside this, it has also helped me be able to join societies to have a social life and appreciate my time more in the city.
Currently I am the Vice President of NTU Help in the Community Society, where we help and support the homeless by distributing free meals in the city centre. This includes sandwiches, fruit, snacks and hot drinks. Even though our service is only twice a week, being able to see the smiles on their faces is so heart-warming and makes me even more passionate to be there for them. Thanks to the support from the bursary, which I used to pay for my annual membership fees, I am able to lead an incredible team of volunteers in this rewarding experience. As the society President in the next academic year, I will be able to continue the hard work and contribute to a more comforting future for those in need.
Overall, these experiences have inspired me to better myself as a person. I am more driven to be an active role model and to devote my time helping others across Nottingham.
To those who have donated to the Student Success Endowment, I want to say thank you so much for your support. As a second-year student, it has been more difficult than ever to balance a social life and finding ways of affording hobbies, but your generosity has been truly life changing, and I can make the most out of my time here at NTU. It has taught me that there is more to university than studies, and I am so grateful for the opportunities we are given.
Make a gift to the Student Success Endowment today
If you’ve been inspired by Kelly's story, please donate to our Alumni Autumn Appeal before 23 October 2026 to help fund more bursaries for students from low-income households.
Every gift, no matter the size, can make a real difference.
Hear from more beneficiaries of the Student Success Endowment
The Student Success Endowment: Zahra
Animation student and self-taught artist Zahra used support from the Student Success Endowment to cover travel and accommodation costs for a volunteering opportunity at the Manchester Animation Festival. The experience enabled her to make industry contacts and gain insight into the sector.
The Student Success Endowment: Lexie
The Student Success Endowment supports Law student Lexie by covering membership and equipment costs for the NTU Hockey team, enabling her to stay active, build confidence, form lasting friendships and make the most of her university experience alongside her studies.
The Student Success Endowment: Alecia
Chemistry student Alecia had the opportunity to study in the Netherlands. Support from the Student Success Endowment helped cover the costs of the residency permit process. This funding enabled her to take up a once-in-a-lifetime international experience and broaden her academic and cultural horizons.