Twins share uni, course, grade and graduation day

Twin brothers who studied the same degree course, achieved the same result and lived in neighbouring rooms at the same university have graduated together.

Adrian and Ainsley Dondo, 22, from Bradford, graduated earlier this week with 2:1 biomedical science degrees after four years studying side by side at Keele University.

The brothers decided to study together to support one another and because they had similar interests, they said.

"Initially the whole idea was to stick together. University was a massive thing moving on from college and the A-level life, we had always been abiding with each other then. To go to university, it didn't make sense for us to separate," said Adrian.

Away from their studies, the brothers, who hope to become biomedical scientists, lived in neighbouring rooms and joined Keele's basketball team, having played the sport while growing up.

Ainsley said going through university with his brother had made the experience "a lot easier".

"It's kind of like going with a best friend but he's my brother and we can spend even more time together," he said.

Despite being a support for one another, Ainsley said they had a healthy level of competition during their studies.

"We always end up thinking we have to one-up each other. We made these small bets, where if I got a higher grade than him he would have to buy me a McDonalds, for example, it was those little things that made the competitiveness."

Adrian, who is older than Ainsley by a minute, said the competition helped push him academically.

"At the end of the day, we do wish each other the best. Obviously, we always aim to go high in our grades but it's just a bit of a light-hearted thing to push us more.

"I had a couple of exams and assignments where I did lower than Ainsley but that's what pushed me."

Graduating together made it easier for their parents, as they followed one after another in the ceremony.

"It felt surreal. Even from the get-go being able to get ready with my brother for our big day, seeing ourselves together, I felt proud.

"Walking down that aisle hearing my name was great, and knowing my brother was right behind felt great," said Adrian.

For now, the brothers are continuing to stick together as they begin internships in Milton Keynes.

"The only time we'll be separated is in an actual job now," said Ainsley.

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