When May won a Santander Brighter Futures Grant

Every year, Santander Universities offer Essex students the chance to win one of ten £1,000 Brighter Futures grants. May was one of our winners. We spoke to her about the experience.

Congratulations on your win, May! How did you feel when you discovered you had won a Brighter Futures grant?

When I received the email I was really happy. I couldn't believe it and I had to double check that it is not a scam email. haha

What have you done with yours?

I bought a railcard using that money and saved the rest for now. I'll use those to get few textbooks and for groceries.

Was it easy to sign up for the Santander platform and apply for the grant?

Yeah, it was pretty easy to sign up.

Your chance to win £1,000

Until Thursday 15 May 2025, you can enter the prize draw to win one of ten £1,000 Brighter Futures grants exclusive to Essex students. Simply:

1. make sure you have your student number nearby
2. register for a free account on the Santander Open Academy platform if you haven't already (you don't have to bank with Santander)
3. apply for the Spring 2025 Brighter Futures grant