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USW taught me the value of seeking support, which was a major shift for me.
Why I chose USW and my experience as a care leaver
I grew up in care, which was difficult and made it hard to see a future for myself. Without typical family support, the idea of university felt distant. However, I realised that education was my path forward. I wanted to make a positive impact, not just for myself, but for others in similar situations. After researching my options, I decided to apply to USW.
I attended an open day at USW where I had the opportunity to meet the course leader. During our conversation, they encouraged me to apply, shared helpful tips for the application process, and boosted my confidence in myself. The personal connection I made that day was a key factor in my decision to apply.
Find your courseStudying psychology and looking ahead
My personal interest in understanding human behaviour has always been strong, and this led me to pursue psychology. When I was about 18, I became particularly interested in the field, originally wanting to specialise in dream psychology. There were many short courses available in London and elsewhere, but I realised I didn’t want to spend years taking one-off courses to eventually become a trainee. I wanted to complete a comprehensive course that would prepare me for a career as a qualified psychologist.
USW taught me the value of seeking support, which was a major shift for me. I learned to reach out when needed, whether for academic or personal help. My advice to other care leavers considering higher education? Don’t let your background hold you back. University can be a fresh start, and with the right support, it’s about where you’re going, not where you’ve come from.
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Interested in Psychology?
Psychology at USW opens doors to more careers than you thought possible, allowing our graduates to consider more than the traditional fields and make a difference in the process.