I started here at UCD 3 years ago, and I am in my final year of City Planning and Environmental Policy. I have really enjoyed my time studying here; There is so much going on on campus. While I faced a few challenges in my studies – Learning to properly structure and complete assignments was very new to me in first year – I have really felt comfortable at UCD. 

Without the support of this scholarship, it would have been so difficult to afford the cost of living as a student. As I am from Meath, I stayed in on-campus accommodation in my first year, which was very expensive. I do not think I was prepared for how expensive life in Dublin would be. The financial support the scholarship provided helped to make me feel a lot more comfortable up here. The scholarship showed me that students from disadvantaged schools can belong in UCD.

In my first year on campus, I put some of the scholarship money towards paying for my accommodation, along with some of my weekly food shops. When I moved home in second year, the money was put towards my travel expenses. I had to travel from Meath to UCD 3-4 days a week, so the money mostly went on bus tickets and diesel. I think supporting a scholarship is an amazing thing to do. There are so many benefits that can arise from scholarships like this being more available.

Seeing as this is my final year, I am planning to pursue a Masters in Regional and Urban Planning. Hopefully after that, I will get a job in the field of planning and travel around Ireland.