Pathway to Bath

Heading to Bath was a big change from the home life I was accustomed to, particularly with moving to an unfamiliar area where I didn’t know anyone. I was nervous about finding my feet in such a different environment; however, the Pathway to Bath programme helped me to realise that university really could be a home away from home, rather than a complete overhaul of the life that I was used to.

Through the programme's summer residential, I was able to get to know the campus properly and see the similarities and differences between here and back home.

Adjusting to life away from home

Living in a city for university is the complete opposite to my home life in a rural village, so it took a lot of adjustment to feel at home in Bath. I am used to spending spare time on long walks across the countryside or down to the beach, so Bath's campus location just outside the city itself has helped me to adjust to life away from home by bridging the gap between the two. Buses to the city are regular and quick, and the campus boasts a range of green space and walks into the countryside, such as along the canals.

I feel as though without the opportunity that Pathway to Bath gave me, I wouldn’t have seen university life here as achievable. I perceived Bath as a place where I would struggle to assimilate because of preconceptions which I held about the types of people who study here. During my time in Bath so far, I have realised that this isn’t strictly true. I may spend my summers working rather than travelling the world, however I’ve found that most people here do the same, despite having quite contrasting backgrounds to me.

Receiving the Gold Scholarship

One factor which is unique to Bath, and that has been monumental in creating such a successful university experience for me so far, is the Gold Scholarship Programme.

Alongside financial support, the Scholarship helps to build future skills and links which will help massively towards starting a successful career after graduation. The Scholarship team offers constant support, with opportunities for personal development, and the financial help that it provides has allowed me to focus on succeeding in my studies, rather than a part-time job during the semester to support myself.

Overall, it has been an amalgamation of factors, including Pathway to Bath and my Scholarship, which have culminated in me finding my feet away from home. The University offers a brilliant range of support to help students during their time here, and I feel it is this which enables me to fit in here, even when my background contrasts with those of my peers.