"I did deserve to be here" My Foundation Year Journey

We are excited to celebrate our Foundation Year's 10th anniversary. Undergraduate student Leah Hartland shares how the Foundation Year supported her transition into university life.

“Being a Change Maker isn’t about where you’re from, it’s about where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.” This quote from the Warwick Business School website truly speaks to me. It’s a reminder that the drive, the passion and the determination to succeed matter most. Where you come from doesn’t define you.  

My name is Leah Hartland, and I was born and raised in Coventry, West Midlands—the same place that is home to Warwick Business School. I remember being around 13 or 14 years old, walking around the University of Warwick campus, mesmerised by the beautiful buildings and the energy of the students rushing in and out of Warwick Business School.  I dreamed of being one of them. But I doubted myself. I thought I’d never achieve the grades, fit in or belong. 

Fast forward to my A-levels, and those same doubts still lingered. Applying to universities felt overwhelming because I didn’t meet the typical entry requirements for a Russell Group university like Warwick. But then, something changed. My head of sixth form told me about the Warwick Business School Foundation Year, and for the first time, I realised there was a genuine opportunity to achieve my dream. 

The Foundation Year wasn’t just a foot in the door. It was my chance to prove that I could succeed, no matter the obstacles I’d faced. It was all about recognising potential, not just grades, and providing students like me the support and opportunity to thrive. Yes, I had challenges—being from a disadvantaged background and struggling with the traditional academic route—but none of that would stop me if I had passion, determination, and a willingness to succeed. 

I will never forget the moment I received my acceptance to Warwick Business School. I was overwhelmed with emotion, and tears of joy streamed down my face. I had done it!. But then came the anxiety. Was I smart enough to be here? Would I fit in? The doubt crept back in. But the Foundation Year gave me more than just academic skills—it gave me the confidence to believe that I did belong at Warwick. 

The transition from A-levels to university was difficult, but the Foundation Year made it seamless. The smaller class sizes, the one-on-one support from lecturers, and modules like Maths for Management and Academic Practice gave me the foundation I needed to build my confidence. At first, I struggled with some of the more challenging subjects, but knowing I had that extra support made all the difference. By the time I officially became a first-year student, I felt prepared with a strong foundation of knowledge, connected with staff and students, and like I was already part of the Warwick community, like I belonged. 

The support didn’t end with academic help. As a Foundation Year student, I learned about the financial opportunities available, like the Lion Rock Bursary. Between balancing my part-time job to earn money to get by and trying to do my best academically, the pressure was real. When I found out I was eligible for the bursary, I felt so relieved. And when I was told I’d been accepted, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. A bursary at my dream university? Honestly, I still couldn’t believe it. 

But then something even more incredible happened. The Lion Rock Bursary recipients were also eligible for the Lion Rock Scholarship, where one student would have their tuition fees fully covered. At first, I didn’t think I had a chance. I thought, “This is too good to be true. I’ll just apply and see what happens.” And then… to my shock, I was chosen. I remember sitting in a lecture when I received the email. I was overcome with emotion and could barely contain my excitement—I wanted to jump up and down with joy. 

That moment meant everything to me. Not just because the scholarship meant my financial burden was lifted, but because it felt like a sign that I was breaking through every barrier that had once seemed impossible. It was a dream come true, in every sense of the word. 

I can honestly say that the Foundation Year was the best decision I’ve ever made. Sure, it meant an extra year of study, but it opened doors that I never thought possible. It gave me the incredible opportunity to attend a prestigious Russell Group university and receive a full-tuition scholarship. I’m now completing a year-long placement at Jaguar Land Rover, a company I’ve always dreamed of working for. Growing up in Coventry, Jaguar Land Rover was always a symbol of success. And now, I get to be a part of it. Without the Foundation Year, there’s no way I would have had this opportunity. 

If you’re considering applying for the Warwick Business School Foundation Year, my advice is simple: Do it! Don’t let doubt or stereotypes hold you back. The Foundation Year doesn’t just prepare you academically—it helps you build the confidence and skills to achieve things you didn’t even think were possible. It’s a chance to unlock your potential and turn your dreams into a reality. 

Be passionate. Be driven. Be curious. And most importantly, be yourself. Warwick Business School’s Foundation Year is exceptional, and no other Russell Group institution offers a Foundation Year quite like this one. The Foundation Year could change your life, just like it changed mine.