Are you studying without the support of your parents?

We understand that studying without parental support can be a difficult and stressful experience. Young people who have a permanent lack of contact with their parents may have additional considerations when applying and studying in higher education. These should not, however, be seen as barriers to entering or progressing at university.

At the University of Warwick we are committed to supporting all students and have a range of support available to students who are independent because they are estranged.

We know not all students will want to use our services and you are under no obligation to do so but we believe it is still useful to know exactly what is available and to keep you updated, in case you decide you need additional help or support at a later date.

How do we define estranged students?

An 'estranged student' is a young person under the age of 25 who is studying without the support and approval of both of their parents due to a breakdown in their relationship – this might be their birth, step or adoptive parents, and sometimes their wider family members. Students in this situation are able to apply to Student Finance England (or equivalent student finance bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) as ‘Independent and Estranged’. You could apply for student finance as an estranged student if:

• You haven’t had any contact with both of your parents for 12 months or more; or
• Your relationship with both of your parents has broken down within the last 12 months and you don’t expect this to change in the near future.

Support available at the University of Warwick: 

Widening Participation Lifecycle Team

If you are a Home fee paying Undergraduate student and have recently become estranged, please contact the Widening Participation Lifecycle Team (lifecycleteam@warwick.ac.uk) for more information about the support available to you. This support includes:

1. Financial Support

Please note that this support is available to students who have been assessed by Student Finance England (or the equivalent funding body in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) as 'Independent' due to being estranged from both of their parents.

• Warwick Bursary of up to £3,000 per year
• WP Bursary for Independent Students who are Care Leavers or are Estranged of £1,000 per year
• The bursaries are intended to provide additional financial support over the duration of your course, including the vacation periods

If you need any support with applying to Student Finance as an ‘Independent Student’, please see more information about this online here and contact the WP Lifecycle Team (lifecycleteam@warwick.ac.uk) so that they can assist you with the process.

2. Accommodation Support

• Eligibility for 52-week on-campus accommodation for the duration of your studies (if desired). This accommodation offer includes a term-time campus room, followed by alternative accommodation over the summer vacation and pre-term shut down period (in early September).
• Please note that there is a charge for this accommodation and students are usually required to move rooms twice over the summer vacation as part of the University's 52-week campus accommodation package. Please contact the WP Lifecycle Team (lifecycleteam@warwick.ac.uk) for more information.

3. Pastoral Support

• The WP Lifecycle Team also provides additional pastoral support during your studies. The team regularly reaches out to all eligible students and can support students to speak to their departments and other support services about their circumstances.

Student Funding Support

You may be eligible to apply to the Warwick Hardship Fund (WHF) when you are in attendance on your course. The Warwick Hardship Fund is intended to help students in financial difficulty with day-to-day expenses and course related costs, such as accommodation, transport, books and utilities. There are a range of hardship funds for students studying at Warwick who are paying Home or International Fees. You can find out more about this funding on the Student Funding Support hardship funding webpages.

Academic Issues  

You will be allocated a personal tutor/supervisor, whilst at Warwick and we suggest that this person is aware of anything which impacts your ability to study. 

Information can be found at: 
Your academic department (Personal Tutor / Supervisor / Department Senior Tutor / Dean of Students' Office) 

Study Skills support is also available via Student Careers & Skills and the Library .  

Wellbeing  

Wellbeing Support Services are always happy support you if you find that your circumstances are impacting upon your Wellbeing. You can attend an initial consultation with one our team to discuss your concerns and the support available.

Student Union Advice Centre

Warwick Students’ Union Advice Centre is a free, professional, independent, and confidential service, providing advice on all aspects of university life and study. To use the service, you can submit an enquiry or book an appointment with the team hereLink opens in a new window.

 

External Support

• UCAS information for Estranged students – Useful information for students who are estranged and are considering applying to university.
• Student Finance England – Information for independent students who are estranged.
• The EaCES Handbook – A resource for students who are estranged or are care experienced and are thinking about FE or HE study, written by young people from the EaCES community.
• This Is Us – A network created by the Unite Foundation for students who are care leavers or are estranged.