Going to university can be a life changing experience and one that everyone should have access to. We want to hear your stories of how university changed your life or set you on the path to becoming the person you are today.

Send us an email telling us your university story and we'll display them here to encourage others to follow in your footsteps.

If you could attach a picture of yourself or even film your story, all the better!

Annie Syrett
BA Modern Languages and Interpreting
The University of Sheffield
Founder of the charity Friends of Alalay www.alalay.co.uk

'I wanted to go to university because I already had a passion for foreign languages and a strong desire to experience other cultures – having travelled extensively overseas.

'Mixing with others at university was a GREAT experience! I met many interesting and stimulating people, both students and staff. I have maintained contact with many of them and regard them still as good friends.

'During my time at university I was able to set up and run an English language course at the University of Esteli in Nicaragua, to attend university in Russia and assist at an orphaned children’s centre, and to spend time in Bolivia working amongst street children. All of these opportunities provided a crash-course in appreciating many global issues!

'In my view, if the fee rates are to be increased significantly, then universities must match this with improved performance in terms of meeting student needs and aspirations. The proposed higher fee rate would have been tougher for me but I believe would still have provided good value as an investment in my future.'

Paul Thomas
BSc and PhD Plant Sciences
The University of Sheffield
Founder of Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd
www.plantationsystems.com

'I originally decided to go to university to broaden my career options, without having a degree it felt like future career paths were massively restricted. Going to university and receiving a degree not only opens up a large number of options, but I also found that the whole process - the societies, social life and people you meet really broadens your vision.

'Everyone has a different situation, but from my own perspective the higher fees would not have been an insurmountable barrier. The loan system, whereby the funds for the fees are borrowed and paid-back once a certain earning threshold is reached, would have still allowed me to engage in higher education. Although I believe that education should be free, the increase in fees will be a consideration for a lot of people, but it should not prevent them from engaging in what could be the most formative and important period of their life.

'I always thought business would be good because of the freedom. I entered a business plan competition at The University of Sheffield, through the University’s White Rose Centre for Enterprise. They gave me £2,500 to get started and also put my name forward for Dragons' Den. So when I submitted my PhD I was already starting to work on the business.

'Since then we’ve launched lots of revenue streams - all revolving around truffles, and we’re having a very good time. Ten years from now the company will hopefully be very profitable.'

Julie Mortimer,
BSc (Hons) Construction Management
Anglia Ruskin University

'As a working mum I needed to study fairly close to home, and I was very fortunate that Anglia Ruskin offered the exact course I was looking for on a part-time basis. Although already qualified in banking, I wanted to change career. This course enabled me to explore various disciplines within construction.

'My group of fellow part-time students was a delight. We supported each other and learnt to maximise our individual contributions to best effect in our team work.  We still remain good friends.

'This course was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I thought that, as a part-time student, I would feel very much on the outside of university life, but thanks to the huge effort of the staff I didn’t feel that at all."