A new beginning – Karina's path to veterinary medicine

The Alumni Scholarship Award has given Karina the financial stability to pursue her dream of veterinary medicine at Nottingham. It has helped her secure housing, focus on her studies, and embrace university life without financial stress, allowing her to make the most of every opportunity.

What brought you to the university?

“I'm a Ukrainian who's been in the UK for almost three years now. Before moving, I lived with my mother, grandma, and older brother in a village near the city. We had a simple life with our two dogs and a garden. My mother was a nail technician, my grandma a music teacher, and my brother a bicycle mechanic.

“Education in my hometown was not the best, and I lacked the means to pursue my passion for veterinary medicine. Just as I was about to complete my final year of school in 2022, Russia attacked my homeland. My brother was conscripted, and my grandma chose to stay behind, so my mother and I left our home and family. We were fortunate to come to the UK under the sponsorship scheme, but everything was foreign to us. I decided to attend sixth form and take A levels to settle before applying to university.”

Why Nottingham?

“Living southeast of London, I was fortunate to attend a good school for sixth form, where I not only studied biology, chemistry, and maths but also adapted to life in the UK. I worked at my local library on weekends to support my mother, and I found an inspiring mentor in one of the school’s lab technicians, who was a former veterinarian. Her stories, especially those about emergency medicine, reignited my passion for veterinary work.

“During the summer after lower sixth, I started work experience, including farm work, shadowing vets, and volunteering at the Horniman Museum's butterfly house. When I applied to university, Nottingham was my top choice due to its hands-on approach and extensive practical experience from day one. The wait for responses was nerve-wracking, but when I received my interview invitation, I was overjoyed. I prepared thoroughly and was thrilled when I secured my place.”
 

Favourite module and campus life

“Since arriving at Nottingham, I have thoroughly enjoyed the teaching methods, including self-directed learning and practical sessions twice a week. While the Neuromusculoskeletal module, particularly the hindlimb week, has been challenging, it has also been incredibly fascinating. Beyond academics, I’ve found an amazing community. The staff are kind and supportive, and my fellow students share a deep passion for the subject. I’ve joined the climbing society, which has been a fantastic way to stay active and social, and I’m considering applying for a committee position. I’ve also found friends to play Dungeons and Dragons with on Thursday evenings.

“Occasionally, I take part-time shifts at West Bridgford Library, and in my free time, I study, crochet, and work on improving my cooking skills. I’ve secured housing for next year with three close friends, which was a stressful but necessary process given the competitive market in Sutton Bonington.”

How the sponsorship has helped

“I cannot express enough gratitude for the financial support I have received. The scholarship allowed me to secure my housing deposit on time, ensuring I have a place to live next year while staying within budget for food and other necessities.

“My mother has been struggling to find stable footing in the UK while also pursuing her own studies in London, so I had no financial support to rely on. Over the summer, I worked hard to save money, but most of it went toward essential university costs, including my first tablet for note-taking and the compulsory equipment for vet students. I was incredibly stressed when my savings ran out, so this scholarship has been a massive relief."