Eve (Natural Sciences 2025)

I am from North East Lincolnshire. Coupled with the fact that I am state-schooled, progression to prestigious institutions like Cambridge is uncommon in my area, and so I was nervous for the transition both academically and culturally. However, Caius have made a serious commitment to increasing outreach, ensuring that students like me are able to access this historic seat of learning. Their commitment, evidenced by events such as "Bridging Week" and their activity on social media, is what I love most about Caius, as it aims to demystify Cambridge for all prospective applicants.

Alongside my studies, I am an Officer for the Caius Student Union, and an active member of the Science Society, the Cambridge Union and the Mountaineering Society. Next year, I am aiming to widen my horizons even further and learn another language. 

I am very appreciative of the financial aid in place, including the academic, co-curricular and travel grants, all of which are made possible due to the generosity of alumni, and accessible to all students. This generosity has totally transformed my own experience. The bursary scheme has allowed me to fully commit to my studies and engage properly with the wider opportunities Caius has to offer, without the added pressures of financial concern. It is this direct experience of the difference alumni generosity can make that has motivated me to take part in this year's campaign.

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Lara (Human, Social and Political Sciences 2025)

The academic life at Cambridge is rigorous, but it’s certainly a lot more fun studying while basking in a Harvey Court Garden that currently resembles the Garden of Eden. It makes me realise how lucky we are at Caius.

Caius offers scholarship, but also endless opportunities for life beyond the books. Well-resourced clubs, the bursary, and subsidised meals put opportunities on the table for people of all circumstances. I personally enjoy a diet of ladies’ netball and Shakespeare Society, and the privilege of accessing resources through the academic grant.

It is thanks to support that Caius is somewhere to feel thoroughly well looked-after. I’m deeply excited to play a part in helping future Caians feel the same way too by supporting this year’s Telephone Campaign and speaking to you!

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Sophie (Modern and Medieval Languages 2025)

I’m a Modern and Medieval Languages student from Leicester studying French and Russian. I benefitted from alumni donations even before applying to Caius, taking part in outreach opportunities. In Year 12, I took part in the Caius Explore competition, which for MML involved producing a French translation and commentary, which commenced my interest in the study and practice of translation. Without this experience, I would likely never have developed the confidence and discovered the academic interest to apply to Cambridge. 

During my time here, I have quickly come to appreciate how close-knit and friendly the Caius community is. I have benefitted greatly from the College buttery tickets/MDR as I have met many new people at formals from all different years and subjects, as well as from the extensive financial support the College has to offer, such as the academic grant. As a campaign caller, I am looking forward to engaging with alumni and hearing stories from their own time at Caius, perhaps gain some insight into career pathways, as well as to support future students’ aspirations at through fundraising.

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Ben (Natural Sciences 2025)

Hi! I am going into my second year as a Natural Sciences student with the aim to specialise in Evolutionary Biology. I grew up on the south coast, but I’ve quickly found a second home here in Cambridge.

The hallmark of my time here so far has been the incredible sense of community, particularly within the Caius Boat Club.  I have experienced first-hand how the Caius Fund removes the financial barriers that might otherwise prevent a student from truly belonging. This support has empowered me to say "yes" to every opportunity, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the Cambridge experience rather than watching from the sidelines.

The impact of this funding was tangible and life-changing for me in my first year. It directly enabled me to attend a rowing training camp in Seville, which was pivotal for my development in the sport, as well as an Evolutionary Biology field trip to Slapton Ley. These experiences – one athletic, one academic – are the "extras" that make a Caius education, yet they simply would not be possible for me without the generosity of our alumni.

I am proud to be part of this year’s Telephone Campaign because I have seen how the Caius Fund functions as a safety net and a springboard for students like me. I want to help ensure that this same level of support is maintained for future Caians. I’m also looking forward to comparing notes on College life with alumni and hearing stories about how Caius has evolved over the years!

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Poppy (Music 2024)

I'm from Bristol. I have absolutely loved my time here at Cambridge so far, where I have been lucky enough to be taught by some of the University's best music supervisors and to make excellent friends.

Caius has provided unparalleled support to me through their range of College societies like rowing and music, as well as through the co-curricular and travel grants, which have enabled me to explore opportunities beyond just my degree.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to the College by participating in the Telephone Campaign for the second year in a row. I really enjoyed the chance to have a conversation with some of the alumni and bond over shared experiences at Caius, and was especially grateful for all of the career advice they were able to give.

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Cicely (Education 2024)

Hi, I am a returning student caller. I gained so much from the Telephone Campaign experience last year: from giving me ideas for careers and life after Caius, to gaining more confidence and public speaking skills. I really enjoyed sharing updates about the College and connecting over similarities (and differences!) about our experiences here. It was lovely to see how many alumni want to get involved in the College, whether that’s through mentoring, attending alumni events or making a gift – and the calls provided a great opportunity to show how much it means to current students like me. 

I’ve really enjoyed my time here, making the most of everything on offer at the College: our beautiful Library, sports ground, the MDR aka “buttery tickets” (especially regular formals) and high-quality accommodation. Bursaries and grants from Caius have made a huge difference to my time here. I received my Full Blue in my first-year, playing in the Varsity Football Match and played again in 2026, as Vice-Captain of the team. Achieving this would not have been possible without both the co-curricular grant and the Bell-Wade Scholarship offered by Caius. I was able to pay for my subs for the year and any additional kit I needed. Donations from alumni make a huge difference in supporting students with bursaries, who, like me, may not otherwise have had the opportunity to come to Cambridge.

I cannot wait to talk to more alumni about their experiences at Caius and hear what they are doing now!

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Anastasiia (Human, Social and Political Sciences 2025)

I am from Kharkiv, Ukraine. I have successfully completed a Foundation Year in Humanities and Social Sciences at Gonville & Caius College, and will be progressing onto the HSPS Tripos next year. Coming from a very different cultural background and living far from my family, the support I have received from Caius has been invaluable. It helped me feel genuinely welcomed and supported, significantly easing my relocation and adjustment to life in Cambridge.

What truly distinguishes Caius from other colleges is its strong sense of community and inclusivity. The preservation of traditions – such as weekly formal halls, the May Ball, and events organised by the Caius Students’ Union (the GCSU) – brings students together and fosters a deep sense of belonging. In my view, this vibrant college life would not be possible without the continued generosity and commitment of Caius alumni.

Over the course of this year, I have personally benefitted from another invaluable opportunity provided by Caius: extracurricular funding. Through this support, I was able to explore and develop my skills in various sports, including tennis, and to learn a new language, Italian. This funding offered not only practical assistance, but also the essential means to pursue my passion for language learning and to enrich my overall university experience.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute personally to the Caius Fund and to help ensure the continuation of the strong bond between the College and its alumni. I am particularly eager to hear about your experiences at Caius, and learn about perspectives and explore how the Caius Fund can further enhance the lives of current and future students.

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Sam (Computer Science 2025)

Hi! I'm from Hertfordshire, one of Caius' outreach areas. I've enjoyed my time at Cambridge so far and look forward to the next few years here.

I have felt really welcome and supported by Caius, thanks to the many opportunities available to me. I love being a part of the Gonville & Caius Music Society, playing in the termly concert which has improved both my orchestral performance and my confidence. I think that the community that comes from extracurricular societies is one of the things that makes Caius such a great environment to be a part of. 

As someone beginning a career in tech, I think that debate and discussion is important, especially seeing how politics make their way into tech – and the other way around. The co-curricular grant enabled me to join the Cambridge Union, something I likely would not have been involved with had the funding not been available. 

The Telephone Campaign will also be a time to improve my communication skills: speaking to a wide range of people with diverse perspectives will be really interesting. This will complement my academic learnings in helping me become a “well-rounded” student and Caian. Maybe alumni can also give me ideas for my career.

Opportunities like the ones I’ve enjoyed deeply benefit from the generosity of alumni. Being a caller is a chance to give back to the College: I can share news of what it’s like now and support the fundraising efforts. I look forward to hearing what alumni did and benefitted from most in their time at Caius!

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Juliana (Modern and Medieval Languages 2025)

Hi, I study French and Italian and have always loved exploring new cultures through books, cinema and art. Travelling is made possible for me through the financial support of the College. I travelled to Florence for the first time and took part in a course at the British Institute over Easter, and was able to fully immerse myself in the culture, seeing artwork that we’d studied in lectures, and putting into practice all the Italian I’ve learnt. The possibility to purchase my own copies of set texts with the academic grant meant that I could study texts closely, writing annotations and always having it readily available during supervisions, lectures and study sessions. 

Outside of my studies, I have found Caius to be an amazing environment full of welcoming staff and students. I rowed for the first time back in October – something I most likely wouldn’t have participated in without College subsidies – and am extremely grateful for the physical and mental benefits the sport has provided. I am also a member of the GCSU, so understand how much work goes on behind the scenes at Cambridge, and how important alumni donations truly are. I look forward to being a part of this year’s campaign, and hope to engage in meaningful, interesting conversations with a variety of alumni.

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Matthew (Music 2025)

I’m from Liverpool. My first year at Caius was a culture shock for me. I felt like it was like learning to swim in a new academically challenging and socially intense environment. I hear alumni before me have had similar experiences and look forward to hearing about how your time at Cambridge evolved.

As a relief from this pressure, I had a great time reducing my stress through exploring my passion for music, most recently singing in the College choir, and being lucky enough to go on tour to Berlin this year, where I had a great time! This experience was virtually free to me, alongside fully-funded singing lessons, and I appreciate that this is thanks to the donors who make it possible. I appreciate such opportunities rely on the generosity of our community of alumni.

I look forward to chatting to alumni and friends of the College, to tell you more about the differences your donations make to support my time here but also to say thank you.

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Daisy (Human, Social and Political Sciences 2025)

I’m from Leeds. The best part of Caius would be the welcoming community, and how the encouraging atmosphere has really helped me settle in this year. It is so inclusive and friendly, with my favourite aspects of Caius probably being the social nature of the accommodation and the sheer beauty of Tree Court, even without the trees! 

I have benefitted myself from the kindness of the alumni through the bursary, to which I have put towards living the authentic Cambridge experience (May Balls) as well as funding my studies. I am so grateful for all the help the alumni have graciously given Caius, and I am excited to contribute to and assist the Telephone Campaign!