From struggle to success - a story of student life at Portsmouth

We could tell you about the picturesque views of the city, the bustling campus and how the community is one of Portsmouth’s strengths – and whilst all of these things are true, we want you to hear about university life through the eyes of a current student. 

From studying hard to enjoying time with friends and the ups and downs of financial struggles. Final-year BN (Hons) Nursing student, Primrose Chikwiramakomo tells all about her background, student life at Portsmouth and how the support from generous alumni has made her university experience what it is.

Life at Portsmouth

If I had to sum up my time at Portsmouth in a few words, it would be a rollercoaster ride. A bittersweet journey; one I will always cherish.

I’ve had a really great student life. Like many, I have gone through ups and downs - assignment struggles and financial difficulties were just two of these. But the University has great support systems in place and I have utilised them to help me throughout my journey.

I have enjoyed student life so much that I am afraid to transition from student to graduate in July. Then when I cross that bridge, I will be a fully qualified nurse.

There are so many great things to do in Portsmouth too. My favourites are going out for food at one of many restaurants, taking walks along the seafront, or going to the cinema and bowling. I also love to drive to Portsdown Hill where the views are amazing and visit the church with my student fellowship. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye one day in the future. 

Unfortunately, my story at Portsmouth didn’t start as well as it's ending.

First-year struggles

Going back to the beginning, my first impressions of the island city were how diverse it was. I loved walking around and not feeling out of place. I felt at home stepping into Portsmouth – it’s been hard to get me out since! 

Growing up, I lived with my parents in Rugby. Life was normal if I can say that, and I was the firstborn of six children. My parents were very hard-working but it was always difficult for them to take care of us all and meet our needs. I started working at the age of 16 to help in the small ways I could. When I left for university, my other sisters took the responsibility. We all agreed my parents were lucky to have such helpful children.

Unfortunately, these financial struggles continued at university. I rented a private flat as I couldn’t afford student accommodation. I used to get a student finance bursary which would pay my rent but leave me with no money for anything else. Asking my parents for money was out of the question so I picked up extra work as a Healthcare Support Worker and Receptionist to pay the bills.

This was good financially but it did take its toll, not only on my physical health but it was impacting my studies too. I gained weight from stress-eating and would fall asleep during classes because I was tired from working throughout the night. I didn’t get very good grades in the first year so I knew I had to go into my second year with an action plan.

I first heard about the scholarship when my classmates told me about it so I applied. I had forgotten about it, presuming I didn’t get it. Three months later, I received the good news that I was successful! The day I received the email was at a time I really needed financial help. It was an unanswered prayer as I did not know I could apply for the fund - I was so excited.

It might seem like small money to some but for me, it was a blessing. It meant I could stop working extra jobs so I could focus on my academic work. I finally felt like a student!

My course

Our cohort started our studies during COVID-19. We still had classes because we were seen as essential learners. I’ll never forget, during one of our simulated courses one day we were all feeling quite deflated – our lecturer told us we were one of the bravest groups he’d ever taught. I guess he was encouraging and reminding us of our resilience and courage to be studying the course at a time when the NHS was under so much pressure.

Working whilst everyone was in isolation was different and yet rewarding. During lockdown, I worked at my placement and for a hotel which was still open for NHS workers. It was a different way of working as we hardly came into contact with guests. I used most of this time to focus on my studies which was really beneficial.

The nursing course is not for the faint-hearted. Some say it takes bravery and courage to complete it. 50% of our time is spent doing academic work and the other 50% is spent in practice on placements. This has helped my time management by having to do assignments alongside a 9-5 placement.

Bright days ahead

In a few months, I will be a qualified nurse - wow, I never thought I’d be saying that. I haven’t secured a job yet but have applied to work in general practice as a Mental Health Practitioner.

I will return to the University of Portsmouth to do my prescribing course. This will not be immediate, as you require two years’ experience beforehand.

In time, I am also hoping to start a family. I have been holding off on this due to being a student but now I feel like I’m ready. I am looking forward to becoming a mother, and a nurse too! 

A wise man once said ‘Small acorns grow big trees’ and this is exactly how I can best describe how the scholarship fund helped me. Because of this, in July, I am graduating with a first-class degree and have been elected as the student speaker for the day. I owe it all to the fund.

To find out more about the Scholarship and Support for Black Students Fund, visit here.