This scholarship has given me an amazing opportunity to study and research here in Oxford. Without it, I simply would not be able to be here. Through it I can contribute to our understanding of how our bodies work at the biomedical level

Ever since I was a child I have dreamt of attending a prestigious university aboard: I never thought I would actually have the possibility to do so, academically or financially. But if you work hard and passionately and you have the good fortune to be recognized and valued by an institution (in my case Pembroke College) sometimes dreams can come true.

My name is Kirstie Morris and I am the Academic Support Officer at Pembroke College. I have access to a range of different funds to help students struggling with difficult financial circumstances, and I’m always happy to give advice and assistance to anyone who wants to apply! Please contact me anytime if you are having worries about your funding, big or small, and I will direct you towards the best avenue of support if available. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we might be able to help!

I chose Pembroke as a postgraduate student for two main reasons. First, so many of its Fellows were engaged in the sort of research I wanted to pursue myself, and there are opportunities to get involved in discussions of their work.

Pembroke feels like home because of the great people you will meet there. The postgraduate community at the college (aka MCR) is incredibly active and goes above and beyond to put on events not only at the start but throughout your degree.

I recommend attending many of the events in freshers’ week – that is the best and easiest way to meet people. You’ll then always find a friendly face at the MCR bar throughout the rest of your time at Pembroke.

Pembroke’s hardship fund was able to fill in my unexpected shortfall, reducing my stress and letting me get back to learning how to combat this (and any future) medical crisis.

Dyedra gives really good advice on how to tackle issues you have. She's very organised and explains herself clearly and succinctly.

Rob structured the session around my exact concerns, which I thought was super helpful. This was a fantastic service, I wish I had used it earlier.