“I am really enjoying studying here at UCD and I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to study in the highest ranked business school in Ireland. Before receiving this scholarship, I was so worried about finances and how I would afford to live the college lifestyle, from paying high rents to day-to-day costs like transport and textbooks. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about how I will afford next month’s rent payment.

I knew UCD was where I wanted to go but I also understood that it was going to be a big financial undertaking. Being from Donegal, I did not have the option to commute so I had to move out and pay high rent. I knew it would bring about a lot of stress in relation to how I would fund my time in UCD. Juggling paying my bills with my education has definitely impacted my studies and put some pressure on me, but this scholarship has lifted so much of this burden. I truly believe, that without this scholarship, I would have had to drop out of UCD as I would not have been able to fund my studies.

I am now entering my fourth and final year here at UCD after my academic year abroad in Bilbao, Spain. This scholarship was a huge help last year as it gave me the means to travel all over Spain and immerse myself in Spanish culture to the fullest. It also allowed me to buy an iPad, which has been a huge help in lectures and assignments.

This scholarship has allowed me to perform to the best of my abilities in UCD. It has given me the free time to take part in societies and clubs. I am now able to keep my options for future careers open by studying a wide variety of business modules and am even considering a Masters. Your support has had a huge impact on my life and on the lives of other students like me, who have benefited greatly by being able to study at an incredible university like UCD without worrying about finances. Instead, we can focus on performing to the best of our capabilities.”