"Support at York allowed me to build my future and help others along the way.”
How support for care-experienced student Mary gave her a community and the foundations to succeed.
"My journey to university was anything but typical. Growing up in Greater Manchester, I spent time in foster care and moved into semi-independent housing at just 17, learning to navigate life without the safety net most people take for granted. Back then, higher education wasn’t the norm for anyone around me, and I spent years stuck in survival mode. But even while moving out on my own at 18, I knew I wanted more for myself than just getting by.
What drove me forward was a determination to champion young people with care experience—to give them the voice I rarely had growing up. As a child, I felt completely unheard by professionals, and that frustration ultimately drew me to social work. I decided to become part of the solution so no young person in my situation would ever be overlooked.
Choosing York gave me the foundation and the community I had been missing. Encouraged by my aunt and uncle, both York alumni, I visited campus and immediately saw a place I could call home. What truly set the university apart was the support available to me through the University and the University of Opportunity Fund. While most institutions offer piecemeal support, York had built a complete, integrated system designed specifically to help care-experienced and independent students thrive.
Arriving here felt like receiving a lifeline. Alongside a care leaver bursary, York’s accommodation contribution was a total game-changer. Many local authorities don't cover higher education housing, or only pay for part of the year. As an independent student funding everything myself; from rent, food, and basic essentials to travel back to Manchester—this financial support changed everything. It lifted the overwhelming weight of daily survival so I could finally focus on studying, growing, and building a real future.
Beyond financial security, York gave me a community. Living alongside other care-experienced students provided a sense of belonging I’d never felt before. In everyday life, you rarely meet people who truly understand what it means to grow up in care, but York made that network visible, welcoming, and strong.
With room to breathe, I threw myself into university life. I joined student societies and worked as a research assistant, contributing to fieldwork with young people in Norfolk—an opportunity that directly informed my dissertation. These ambassador and research roles aren't just jobs to me; they are a platform to turn my lived experience into real policy change and pay forward the support I’ve received.
When personal setbacks hit, York’s flexible backing kept me afloat. The bursary made it possible for me to travel home and support my sister through her own care journey. Being by her side during tough times meant everything. That’s the true power of this fund: it doesn’t just transform one life - it echoes through families and reaches deep into the wider care community.
I had the peace of mind to focus fully on my placements, professional training, and advocacy.
I have now graduated with an Integrated Master’s in Social Work. In my future career I am determined to combine research and real-world practice to improve the care system for future generations.
York’s commitment proves that care-experienced students don't just belong in higher education - we can lead in it.
To anyone considering supporting The University of Opportunity Fund, even the smallest gift sets off a powerful chain reaction. You aren't just funding a degree, you are empowering us to go out and create lasting change for our families, our peers, and our communities. Thank you isn’t enough, but please know your support reaches far beyond what you can see."
