Durham University duo awarded friendly funding boost
First-year Durham University students, Will Stevenson and Emma Corbin, have each received a £2,700 funding boost from one of the UK’s oldest friendly societies to help ease some of the financial burdens of student life.
The 18-year-olds, Will from Lewisham, South London, and Emma from Cheam, Sutton, both began studying geography at Durham University in autumn 2025.
They are two of three recipients of the Oddfellows’ First Degree Course Educational Award – a non-repayable bursary – and were chosen on merit from applicants within the Society’s national membership.
They will receive £900 for each of the three years of their course.
A member of Woolwich Oddfellows, Will said: “The funding will benefit me significantly throughout my undergraduate course as it will contribute towards society subscriptions such as the Durham University Big Band, allowing me to pursue passions, build friendships and make lasting memories in these three years.
“Hearing that I was a recipient of the award was incredibly exciting, knowing university life would be a more comfortable experience, and I am extremely thankful to the Oddfellows for the trust and generosity they offered me.”
Will is currently unsure of his career plans at this stage, but says that’s one of the reasons the course appealed to him, given “the breadth of geography and its wide application”.
“I have entertained a future in consultancy or diplomacy,” Will added.
Emma, a member of the Oddfellows’ Worcester Branch, said: “The funding will allow me to support my education by letting me buy any relevant books.
"It will also mean that I can go on any essential field trips vital to my degree and which contribute to my dissertation.”
She added: “I felt extremely grateful and lucky when I was picked as one of the successful candidates from what would have been many amazing applications.
"I would like to say how thankful I am, and that the award will contribute to my degree. It is a great opportunity to have an award like this available.”
Emma has also not decided which direction she wants her career to take, but thinks her chosen course will provide her with a range of opportunities.
“I chose Geography as it was a subject that not only do I find very interesting, but it’s also an increasingly relevant subject, considering topics such as climate change and geopolitics,” Emma added.
“I will probably either consider a degree in sustainability consultancy or complete a law conversion.”
The Oddfellows’ CEO Jane Nelson said: “We’re delighted for Will and Emma, and glad that the Oddfellows is able to help them out in what is an exciting chapter in their lives.
"Budgeting alongside studies can be tough, so this award should help to ease that burden a little.
“We’re already very proud of Will and Emma’s achievements and we wish them every success at university and beyond.”
The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit friendly society and its network of 96 local branches supports members through regular social gatherings and care and welfare benefits, as well as opportunities to take part in volunteering and fundraising initiatives.
The Oddfellows’ First Degree Course Educational Award aims to support students from its membership who are heading to university for the first time.
To find out more about the Oddfellows’ Educational Awards and all the ways the Society helps its members, go to www.oddfellows.co.uk.