A different way in

I’m Soraya, a History student at the University of Dundee, and I am about to go into my final year. I can honestly say university has been the best years of my life. But truth be told, when I was first applying, I had no idea that summer school was even an option - I thought you were simply given grade requirements and had to meet them to be accepted.

A challenge I didn't expect

I’ve always known I wanted to study History, but after moving from England to Scotland at the start of S4, one of my main concerns was how I was going to get into university. Not only did I have to learn a completely new education system, but I was also impacted by the pandemic during my fourth and fifth years. It prevented me from having enough quality time at school to achieve higher grades. There were times when I felt helpless, anxious, and unsure about my future. 

A chance I didn’t know existed 

When I received my offer from Dundee, I was given the option to attend Access Summer School. At the time, I had no idea what it would involve, and I was the only one in my year group going to Dundee. I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect from student life.  

During Access Summer School, I completed a History module, which gave me a head start before coming to university. Over the five weeks, I also learned how to use the University’s software, communicate with lecturers, access academic support, and understand how the university system works. This experience helped me feel more prepared for the academic year ahead, and it also helped once the semester started.  

Another thing that stood out to me was how many students were part of Access Summer School. It was really encouraging to see the University supporting so many students who, like me, had faced challenges that affected their education.   

Access Summer School definitely helped me feel a lot more comfortable going into first year. Understanding how the system worked helped me prepare for my lectures and tutorials in advance. It also felt reassuring because if I needed any help or guidance, I knew where to find it.  

If anyone is given the opportunity to take part in Access Summer School, I couldn’t recommend it enough. It was the best decision I ever made. 

I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am for the opportunity to take part in Access Summer School. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to come to university, which has always been one of my biggest goals. 

While I am not entirely sure what the future holds, I know I’d love to work with children and help people. This future wouldn’t be possible without Access Summer School. 

I would like to give a huge thank you to the incredible donors and everyone involved in keeping this programme going. You are giving students like me the chance to attend university, and I am so grateful to be at the University of Dundee.

“For many bright, capable individuals, circumstances beyond their control can make traditional university entry requirements feel like an impossible task”, explains Katy Scott, Deputy Director of Globalisation and Future Students.  

“Since 1993, Access Summer School has been supporting students whose academic journeys haven’t been straightforward, helping them take that next step into higher education.” 

“It’s not just about preparing students academically - it’s about giving them the chance to see themselves here. Over five weeks, they complete university level coursework, build confidence, learn how university works, and realise that they belong.” 

“The programme is free for students to attend, with accommodation and financial support available. That means students can focus on their future, not the barriers in front of them.” 

“Access Summer School ensures that talent, not circumstance, shapes a student’s future.”