When Nur Zaharudin left Malaysia to study Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, she brought with her more than just academic excellence. She also had a passion for understanding how food and nutrition shapes our health and wellbeing, along with the courage to step into a new world. However, like many international students, she faced the emotional weight of leaving home, the challenge of adapting to a new culture and the financial strain of living abroad.
What she didn’t expect was how much the community at Nottingham would shape her.
“We are a small, close-knit group, and I appreciate the friendly and supportive atmosphere,” she told us. “I feel fortunate to have a strong connection with my lecturers, who even know me by name. This welcoming and approachable environment was something I did not expect from degree studies, and it has made my university experience truly special."
Essential Support
But even the most determined students face challenges. Despite receiving a scholarship from the Malaysian government, the rising cost of living in the UK can stretch any budget thin. Essentials like groceries and transport can become difficult to manage, let alone when saving for milestones like graduation or planning for postgraduate study.
When Nur discovered she could apply for the Sam Burton Memorial Fund, she realised the additional funds could help alleviate some of those financial pressures.