Why did you apply for the programme?

I live in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. My parents didn’t have a lot growing up but they both went to university and now have good jobs. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study at university, only that I wanted to go. I thought the Sutton Trust Summer School sounded like a good opportunity to learn about what university is like and what to expect in the transition from school.

Did you have any worries before attending?

I was worried about being away from home, especially as my summer school took place in London and I’ve never stayed in the capital without my parents. I also wasn’t confident about travelling there alone with all my belongings. However, the evening activities were amazing and probably things I wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to do.

What were your highlights of the programme?

My class went up the Shard and on our last night, we had a boat party on the River Thames! The summer school helped me to realise that studying in London wasn’t for me and that was okay as it helped me think clearer about my options and what I was actually looking for in my university experience.

What are your plans for the future?

Now I plan to apply and hopefully attend a Russell Group university, which I initially didn’t intend to do. Although I took part in a course called War Studies during my summer school, I’ve now decided that I would rather study English Literature.

What would you say to someone who is unsure about applying?

If anyone were to ask me, I’d say definitely go for it. At first, I wasn’t sure if I qualified for all the criteria that they were looking for in students, but I was told to give it a go and I’m glad I did because it’s helped me with my choices for the future!v