Summer School Ambassador profiles

Hi everyone, my name is Hamza and I study Medicine at the University of Nottingham. My favourite part of my course is learning anatomy, physiology and pathology whilst getting the opportunity to do full-body dissection. I also love interacting with a diverse range of people. I am part of many societies including Teddy Bear Hospital, where I get to help reduce the fear of children taking a trip to the doctor by helping their poorly teddies feel better! I attended the Summer School in 2019 as a participant and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience. I got to make lifelong friends, get an insight into university life, explore my chosen course, and gain invaluable information on the university application process, all whilst having loads of fun! You get support beyond the residential, all the way until the end of your time at college/sixth form. Now, as an ambassador, I help students make the essential decisions for their future and aid them in their journey to higher education. Whether you think university is for you or not, I would encourage you to apply for the Summer School as it could open a whole range of possibilities for you!

Hey! I’m Josh and I’m in my final year of studying Politics and International Relations. I’ve absolutely loved my course so far because it has enriched my understanding of incredibly important political processes, institutions, and crises. I’m currently doing a university-organised Politics placement with a foundation that holds regular global conferences, the last one being about the digital economy. Outside of my studies, I am the President of the Summer School Society, which is a space for ambassadors and alumni of the programme to reconnect. I completely credit the Sutton Trust programme for helping me get to where I am today. Not just because of the reduced offer, the bursary, and the application support, but because being a participant on the Law and Politics strand at Nottingham made so many difficult decisions much easier to make. Making lasting friendships with other participants also helped! I became a Summer School ambassador this summer and it was so great to see the same difference in confidence and self-esteem that I experienced myself two years ago. I would more than recommend this programme because it makes for a genuinely insightful, rewarding, and enjoyable experience.

Hi! I’m Haajar and I’m currently studying MEng Civil Engineering. I have learnt a lot of new technical skills from my course, as well as having the opportunity to improve my soft skills.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing basketball. I am also a member of the UoN Islamic Society, and have been attending their events and socials, as well as volunteering and baking for charity bake sales.

 As a previous participant and a current ambassador, I can say that summer school gives you a great taster of university life. I understand that university is not for everyone, but I would highly recommend applying for summer school to discover whether it is for you.

Hi, my name is Edwina and I'm in my 2nd year of studying Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham. My course gets increasingly interesting as time progresses; I thoroughly enjoy building my knowledge on the physiologies of different diseases, and the remarkable science behind treatments used to combat them. The course also incorporates regular consultancy practice in stimulated pharmacies on campus, and many placement opportunities to develop professional practice skills. I also tutor students ages 8-10 Maths and English weekly which is always a joy. I also had the opportunity to help Year 13s applying for Pharmacy through reviewing personal statements and assisting mock interviews through the Summer School Ambassador Scheme. 

I was an ambassador for the first-time last year and loved seeing how well participants progressed in the week. Students that felt so nervous at the start of the week, were the same students saying they didn’t want to leave by the end! Summer school is a great way to get a taster of the university experience, gage if the course you’re interested in is right for you and make so many new friends. I would strongly recommend applying as this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Hello! I’m Caitlin and I’m a final year vet student. Whilst on the course I also completed a teaching internship year so I’m now in my 6th year of uni. I’ve absolutely loved being at university and completing such an interesting course, being able to have so much practical experience from day 1 at the vet school, and now completing multiple placements in practises all over the Midlands (and beyond!).

As a participant on summer school in 2016 I completely fell in love with the University of Nottingham (especially Sutton Bonington Campus!), and the summer school was such a large part of my decision to study here. As well as this, I started university feeling confident that I knew (even if just a little bit) of what to expect.

Having the opportunity to be a summer school ambassador during my time at uni has been such a privilege, and it is amazing to see participants grow so much in confidence over just a few days. Whether you know that university is the path for you, or if you’re really not sure which route to take, a week on summer school is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, grow in confidence, and experience a taste of student life, whilst having so much fun!