Jimmy's Story 

I studied Human Geography at the University of Edinburgh from 2008 to 2012 and then did a masters. Before university, I was studying A levels in Geography, Maths and Sociology.

My course was very interesting and varied. I enjoyed field trips- going to Amsterdam and the Western Isles were amazing experiences. The lecturers were also excellent. My dissertation supervisor, was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and I made some great friends on my course too.

My favourite thing about Uni was the social side. Playing for two football teams, having lots of house parties, making new friends and learning new skills. University was mostly a liberating experience for me. Having the chance to express myself and do what I wanted is something I quite simply didn’t have the freedom to do when I was in care.

When I applied to University, I ‘ticked the box’ to let them know that I had care experience.  I met with the widening participation officer in my second week of first year, but I didn’t see her after that. I ticked it because I thought it would be the right thing to do for me. I knew that university had the potential to be a difficult and lonely place; I did it in case I needed a bit of extra help that others get from their families.

This was the closest thing that I felt to a ‘fall back cushion’.  I had lots of friends who, if they were having a tough week at university, could go home to their parents for the weekend and have their washing done and food cooked.  It can feel quite exposing and isolating not having this option when everyone around you does, but knowing that the University was aware that I was care experienced helped to alleviate some of this concern.