Igniting brighter futures

Our Ignite Programme aims to create a fairer future for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Funded by alumni and supporter donations, Ignite offers a blend of financial, academic, career and personal opportunities to help students reach their full potential.

In September, we welcomed a new cohort of 61 Ignite students – our largest intake yet – whose successful university experiences have been made all the more possible by the generosity of you, the Southampton Together community.

Introducing Jamie

One of those students is Jamie Oczek, a first-year psychology student who grew up in Hampshire. Over the coming months, Hartley News will follow Jamie through their studies at Southampton, hearing first-hand how Ignite shapes and supports each phase of their university experience.

“When I found out I was accepted onto the Ignite Programme, I audibly gasped. The first thing I did was call my mom to tell her the good news. It was such a surreal moment. Honestly, I didn’t think I would get in because of how competitive the spaces are, but I’m so glad I didn’t let that stop me from applying. ‘If you don’t try in life, you’ll never experience anything new’ my mom used to tell me growing up.

“I remember going to the open day and being so overwhelmed by how big and polished everything was. I felt this strong pull – like an urge to enter. It sounds cliché, but as soon as I stepped on campus I fell in love. But I just couldn’t shake the feeling that this place was too pristine, and I left both ecstatic and melancholic because I thought I could never attend such a good university. This was due to a lot of reasons, but finances were a huge factor. I doubted myself and my abilities a lot growing up, constantly being reminded that there were others around me who had it easier to achieve something.

“Everything changed when I attended the Transition Day and found out about Ignite – I knew then just how highly Southampton values the wellbeing of its students.

“Being part of Ignite has already helped me in countless ways. I’ve recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, and the academic support the programme offers will be so beneficial in helping me to achieve my full potential. I’ve also attended several Ignite events, the most memorable being the welcome breakfast. Meeting like-minded peers gave me a sense of belonging. I’ve also been to academic skills and financial wellbeing talks. It amazes me just how beneficial and helpful this opportunity has been and will continue to be for me!

“Ignite has relieved so much of my money anxiety. Growing up on benefits has made me very wary about how I spend my money, often meaning I miss out on interesting opportunities. Before coming to University, I made a budget spreadsheet for the year. It was doable, but not enjoyable. Because of Ignite, I’m now fortunate enough to be able to buy a University gym membership which has improved my physical and mental health significantly. With my new budget I’m freer to live my life independently, engaging in fun hobbies such as art, poetry and music production, which I previously did not have the money for.

“I really want to go into behavioural neuroscience when I’m older, exploring the links between the brain and our personality, particularly personality disorders as they are still so under-researched. In joining Southampton, I hope to gain research skills, connections, and first-hand experience in conducting my own research, which is proving to be more and more achievable as I reach the end of Semester 1.”

We can’t wait to catch up with Jamie in the spring.

Help more students like Jamie

Your support means that many more talented students from underrepresented backgrounds can harness the full power of their university education and go on to build successful futures.

To make a monthly gift to Ignite, please donate here.