With his father unable to obtain work, things were very difficult for Smithies in his first year at Edinburgh University, but it became easier in his second year when he was awarded a Spence Bursary.
Sa kanyang ama hindi upang makakuha ng trabaho, mga bagay-bagay ay mahirap para sa Smithies sa kanyang unang taon at Edinburgh University, ngunit ito ay naging mas madali sa kanyang ikalawang taon kapag siya ay iginawad isang Spence Bursary.