Our alumni play a crucial role in supporting student success across the University of Hull.

Thanks to the generosity and empathy of alumni donors, our Student Success fund is making a huge difference, providing innovative and meaningful support to University of Hull students.

In the report below, you can discover how alumni support is not just funding projects—it’s changing lives. Together, we are building a university environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

For those of you who supported our Same Pathway, Different Journeys appeal, we are delighted to share that we raised just under £10,000 and are looking forward to sharing the impact these donations will make to our students in this 2025/26 academic year.

Student Success Fund Impact from 2024/25

The funding our alumni have gifted has enabled us to pioneer innovative wellbeing and student support initiatives that directly enhance our student experience.  These projects—often small in scale but high in impact—allow us to respond swiftly to emerging student needs with creative, targeted solutions. Thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to deliver a range of targeted, innovative initiatives that have made a tangible difference in students’ lives. Your contributions have enabled us to respond to emerging needs, reduce barriers to participation, and foster a more inclusive, supportive university environment.

Expanded Access to Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Your funding has significantly enhanced our internal mental health provision. In addition to launching a 24/7 wellbeing helpline app, donated funds enabled us to pilot an expanded counselling service with no waiting list and flexible access. This has been especially beneficial for students with additional responsibilities or those on placements, such as trainee doctors and nurses. Between June 2024 and May 2025, nearly 700 counselling sessions were delivered. Data shows a marked reduction in symptoms of anxiety and low mood, alongside increased academic engagement and life satisfaction.

Active Wellbeing Programme

The Active Wellbeing Programme is a bespoke sport and fitness programme accessible to University of Hull students who require further assistance in incorporating sport and physical activity into their daily routine to improve overall well-being.

Our team will provide one-on-one support throughout the programme, designing a bespoke programme based on the students’ wants and needs, as well as guidance.

Case Study

“I was referred to the Active Wellbeing Programme through the University’s mental health team.  Active wellbeing was a good way to get back into exercising frequently and get used to the gym and environment without pressure or money attached, it also allowed me to try new things and meet new people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

“There was a wide array of opportunities that allowed for plenty of flexibility in schedule and activity.

“The programme helped me massively, not only for getting back to the gym and doing something I love, but it also helped improve my overall mood and mental health by a lot.  Due to the people I met at the active wellbeing I was able to join an amazing community of people that I could train with and work alongside and even after finishing the programme it’s still helping me get amazing opportunities in something I’m passionate about.”

Sports Participation Grant

Over 100 students facing financial or personal barriers—including those from low-income backgrounds, care leavers, estranged students, disabled students, and international students—were supported to participate in sports and physical activities. Every recipient reported an improvement in their student experience, with over half stating they would not have been able to participate without this funding. Additionally, your support helped clubs such as Hull Medics Women’s Football, Gold, and the Football Society grow their membership and expand their offerings.

Read about the impact of the Sports Participation Grant >>

Arts Participation Initiative

Recognising that not all students engage through sport, we trialled a new initiative to foster connection and belonging through the arts. During transition and induction periods, we partnered with local artists and organisations to deliver music and art sessions on campus. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of creative expression in building community and enhancing wellbeing.

Tailored Interventions to Support Confidence and Transition

Pet Therapy drop-in sessions, delivered in partnership with Pet Respect, were attended by over 700 students throughout the academic year. These sessions created a safe, welcoming space—particularly for neurodivergent students and those transitioning to university. The initiative has proven to be one of our most impactful, helping us engage students who are typically harder to reach and at greater risk of non-progression. It also supports the wider community by enabling Pet Respect to expand its work in schools, care homes, and hospitals.

Bringing Expert Interventions to Students

Through a joint funding model, we partnered with a local specialist therapy provider to support students affected by sexual violence. Donated funds have enabled access to expert therapeutic support that would otherwise be unavailable due to long NHS waiting lists—often exceeding the duration of a student’s degree. This intervention is critical in helping students recover, remain engaged, and continue their studies.

Responding to Acute Need

In response to the rising cost of living, and in partnership with HUSU, we distributed sanitary products across campus facilities. This initiative directly supports students from low-income backgrounds, care-experienced and estranged students, ensuring dignity and access to essential items.