Breaking Down Barriers: A Student Perspective

Dear Alumni,

I’m a second year student reading English and the Trinity College Student Union (TCSU) Access Officer. I came to Trinity from Stanley, a disadvantaged area in County Durham. During my time here I have received a Cambridge Bursary, which, unlike a student loan, does not need to be paid back. This has made a huge difference to my experience at Trinity and I want to thank all alumni who have given to student support.

Receiving a bursary means that I spend less time thinking about money and can concentrate more on my studies and getting the most out of my time in Cambridge. I think that being able to afford to spend time with my friends – playing College rugby or just having a coffee (on top of the basics of paying rent and buying food) is very important for any student.

Whilst support for students has increased in recent years (primarily because of the Cambridge Bursary Scheme), it is getting more and more challenging to stretch loans and bursaries as the cost of being a student continues to increase.

From September 2022, the Trinity Maintenance Grant (TMG) will be available to any student who qualifies for a means-tested Cambridge Bursary. Students will receive a non-repayable grant of £4,050 every year to help towards living costs during their studies at Trinity. Not only will this encourage students from working class and other underrepresented backgrounds to apply, but it will also ensure that they are supported during their time here. The TMG has been made possible by the growing and continued support of Trinity alumni.

I am very proud (and relieved!) that the TMG has been launched while I am here, and I know this will make such a difference to so many students.

I was fortunate enough to speak to many generous alumni like yourself during our most recent Telephone Campaign. I understand that you have supported us before, thank you so much. I hope that you decide to give again this year.

Your help means so much. Without your kindness my Trinity experience would be very different- thank you.

All the best,

Harry Devlin, English (2020)