Students have criticised Newnham College for its handling of college bills, after payment deadlines at the start of term were set before the allocation of bursaries.

Newnham’s college bill was sent on 9th January this year, with a payment deadline of 23rd January. Newnham detailed that anyone receiving support through the Cambridge Bursary Scheme would receive an automatic rent bursary. However, according to Bursary Scheme application details, the earliest that the Lent term payment will land is 6th February.

In an email to students, the college acknowledged that the payment date was before the bursary, writing: “We understand that sometimes it is not possible to settle the full amount of your bill by the payment deadline”.

The college advised students whose ability to pay was affected to speak to college tutors, stating tutors would “contact the Bursary to see if a delay in payment will be allowed”.

Students have criticised Newnham for adding to potential anxieties about bill payments during a cost-of-living crisis.

One Newnham student told Varsity: “I heard from Newnham about rent before my supervisors even contacted me about term. I appreciate that they could be sending college bills out so we can organise our finances before term starts, but I think it puts a pressure on students”.

Another student emphasised the difficulties of changes in payment dates, telling Varsity: “Last term, the bill was sent out much later in term, so this seems quite inconsistent”.