Jake's story: A journey from homelessness to studying medicine

When Jake* was 17, he found himself homeless because of domestic violence. He struggled through his first year of university, concentrating on how to survive, not how to learn. 

Living independently and working multiple part-time jobs, Jake had little time to study. Not surprisingly, his first year of University didn’t go to plan. On top of that, he discovered his initial degree (Engineering) wasn’t the right path and his passion was Medicine.

“At the start of 2019 I was fortunate to receive a hardship grant from the University which allowed me to get a computer. It was, and still is, amazing to be able to study when I need, rather than waiting to use the facilities at university or a mate's laptop,” Jake said. 

Things were looking up, Jake was studying for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), hoping to be accepted into the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Then COVID hit. He lost multiple jobs tutoring and coaching and he found himself homeless again. 

At the start of 2020, Jake was accepted into the MBBS. 

"While my hard work and focus had paid off, and I should have been excited, I didn’t have a home. There was no way I was going to be able to enrol and keep up with the requirements of the MBBS without a place to live.

In desperation I approached the University again. They helped me with accommodation, money to buy pots and pans and a voucher for Food Bank. It meant I could cook for myself, focus on my studies and have a place to live – a home."

The support I received from the University has been really beneficial in getting me to where I am now, which is on a career path and study I am really enjoying. I hope to be a Doctor one day and give back to others in need.Jake

* Due to privacy and the nature of the circumstances, Jake’s name has been changed.