For some students, the decision to attend university isn’t about ambition – it’s about access. For first-year student Cerys, receiving the Liverpool Scholars Bursary, supported by donors to the Student Fund, opened the door to higher education. Cerys talks about how the bursary made university a possibility and why continued support remains vital for many other students.
The Liverpool Scholars Bursary
I never thought University would be an option for me. I always had a fear of not being able to afford it as I can’t rely on financial help from home, as I come from a single-parent family. It’s difficult to imagine going to university if you come from a working-class background, because finances play a big part in it.
I found out about the support available to me through the Liverpool Scholars programme. This meant that when I started university, I was eligible for the Liverpool Scholars’ Bursary.
I was scared that I wouldn’t have access to the same opportunities as others. But receiving the bursary has allowed me to have some of the same opportunities. I feel less stressed when thinking about my finances, and the bursary has made me feel more confident in myself when applying for career opportunities, as my background shouldn’t dictate what I can do.
As a disabled student, you may encounter additional costs involved in your studies. The bursary allowed me to put money towards a laptop that I needed for my studies. I was also able to secure some work experience in London and afford the travel there, and I have taken part in extracurricular activities. Recently, I attended a tote bag painting event. It was £3 to take part, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but it was for me. Having this support means I can get involved in student life.
Liverpool experience
University has been like a rollercoaster. It has been overwhelming at times, settling in, finding new buildings and keeping up with coursework. It felt daunting at first, but I have started to get used to it and I am really enjoying it.
Getting my semester one results back was a highlight. I really struggled with the workload and trying to balance my time between each of my modules. But after putting in the hard work, I was delighted when I got my marks back. I ended up getting an average of a first which I was joyful about! I proved to myself that I made the right decision coming to university and that I could study at a degree level.
Another highlight has been meeting new people. I have met some wonderful people whom I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t come to university. Coming from Merseyside, I was already familiar with the city, but since coming to university, I have been able to visit new places. Even though I have grown up around here, there’s always something new for me to try as a student.
I was able to take part in the upReach RISE programme, which supports students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Without this, I wouldn’t have the same access to career opportunities as my peers due to not having any career connections or the financial means to access them. I have also accessed non-medical help and support from the disability team in the form of a transitional support worker to help my transition into university.
A message of thanks
I would like to say thank you. Without additional support, many students wouldn’t be able to access university. I have always had a fear of debt, which put me off applying to university at first. But when I found out about the support given to students like me, I felt that I could apply. Money is a big concern for many students, so your support means that the most disadvantaged students can continue to access higher education. Without financial assistance, we wouldn’t have the same opportunities as other people.
The only way that I have been able to continue in university is through government assistance and your support. Even with government assistance, students can still struggle to meet everyday needs. This is why donations are needed to support those who need it most.
In the future, I’d like to either work in law, the charity sector or in educational policy. I want to do a job where I can give back to other people because I know from my own experience that I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't have help.
About the Student Fund
The Student Fund helps ensure that students from all backgrounds can come to university, thrive, and go on to make a difference in the world. From emergency grants in times of crisis to bursaries that level the playing field, your support changes lives. Learn more about how you can help by visiting the Student Fund webpage.