Meet Nish - a second year Law student. Nish receives the Liverpool Bursary, a £2,000 package that helps Nish cover some of the costs of studying. We recently caught up with Nish to find out more about his story and about how the Liverpool Bursary has impacted his university experience.
Nish’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. Early in his education, Nish struggled, facing both academic and social challenges. “In primary school, I wasn’t considered ‘smart.’ Teachers didn’t expect much from me,” Nish recalls. By the time he reached high school, these struggles had compounded, with his mental health suffering to the point where he could no longer continue with mainstream education.
Leaving mainstream school felt like the end of the road. “I thought that was it for me,” he says, reflecting on the difficult transition. However, being placed in a special school turned out to be a lifeline.
Autism and ADHD
In his new school, Nish was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. “At the time, I didn’t understand what those labels meant. I thought they were just more reasons why I wouldn’t succeed.” But despite these challenges, Nish found a way to persevere. Through hard work, he passed all his GCSEs and went on to college.
As Nish progressed, he faced a critical moment: applying to university. For someone who once thought he would never make it to college, the prospect of attending a Russell Group university like the University of Liverpool seemed unimaginable. Yet, that’s exactly where Nish found himself. “I never thought I’d make it this far,” he admits. “But here I am.”
Nish has achieved so much at University
Nish’s first year at Liverpool was nothing short of impressive. He achieved a 2:1, a significant accomplishment for someone who never considered himself an academic standout. But what made his success possible wasn’t just personal grit—it was the Liverpool Bursary that helped ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
“Coming from a working-class family, money was always a struggle. The bursary lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” Nish explains. “The Liverpool Bursary helped me buy certain materials I needed for my studies, covered my travel expenses to attend insight evenings, meeting with different law firms and it really takes away the burden. It’s such an advantage to disadvantaged students like me who don’t have the necessary funds to do these things. I’ve never once had to worry about my finances because Liverpool has had me covered.”
The Liverpool Bursary
This is where the importance of scholarships and bursaries truly comes into focus. Nish’s story highlights the transformative power of financial support for students who, without it, may not have had the chance to pursue their dreams. “Without the bursary, I don’t know how I would have managed,” he says. “It gave me the freedom to focus on my education, and that made all the difference.”
Nish’s journey
Nish’s journey, from struggling in school to now studying Law at the University of Liverpool, is a powerful example of what can be achieved when students are given the support they need. It also underscores the importance of donations that make funding like the Liverpool Bursary possible. For students like Nish, these bursaries aren’t just financial aids—they are life changing opportunities.
“People who donate to the Student Fund are investing in someone’s future,” Nish emphasizes. “They’re giving people like me a chance. You never know who you’re helping, but your donation could change someone’s life, just like it changed mine.”
Nish now has clear goals. He hopes to secure a training contract with a law firm before graduation and eventually work in politics, focusing on improving mental health support for students who face the same challenges he did. He’s already had opportunities to work with the Department of Education on these issues, a testament to how far he’s come.
By investing in the Student Fund, you are not just supporting students’ academic journeys—you are helping to unlock potential, change lives, and build a more inclusive future for all. Nish’s story proves that with the right opportunities, even the most unlikely dreams can be achieved.
You can find out more about the Student Fund via our Giving website.