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Estranged Students

At the University of Cumbria we want to ensure that all students, who wish to, are able to access higher education and that they can participate effectively in all areas of university life.

Who is an ‘estranged’ student? Young people aged 25 or below, studying without the support and approval of either parent due to a breakdown in their relationship. This might be biological, step or adoptive parents, or possibly wider family members who have been involved in your care.

The University of Cumbria offers dedicated support to students estranged from their family including:

Dedicated support contacts

We will support you through both your entry into university and during your time with us.

  • Pre-entry advice and guidance on applying for university and completing personal statements. This can be offered by email or telephone. Contact outreach@cumbria.ac.uk to ask for help or to arrange a telephone appointment.
  • Once you are here (post-entry) there is a wide range of additional support available to you, as outlined below. See the My.Cumbria pages for more info, or ask a question using the Student Enquiry Point.

 

Am I eligible for support?

  • You will be contacted about our support package if you declare, via Student Finance, that you are estranged from your parents. Please visit the "Stand Alone" website for more information about your status as an "independent student" and how it relates to Student Finance 
  • http://standalone.org.uk/guides/student-guide/

Available support

Additional financial support / Money Advice Service

  • As a student who is estranged from their family, you will be prioritised for the Cumbria Bursary which could be up to £1000 per year for each year of a three-year full time degree.

    To be eligible, for consideration, you must give consent to share financial information on your Student Finance application, which must have been assessed prior to the start your course.

  • You will also be able to access pre-entry information regarding extra funding you may be eligible for, budgeting techniques and any other queries you may have. More information can be found on the Money Advice Service webpages and the Money Advice FAQs.

  • The Student Support Fund is available to estranged students experiencing financial difficulty or unexpected financial emergencies. Visit the Student Support Fund web page for more information and to download an application form.

 Accommodation

  • We have a wide range of accommodation available across our campuses and rooms are available for the whole year (365 days) at Carlisle, Lancaster and Ambleside. See www.cumbria.ac.uk/accommodation to find out more. 

 Academic support

  •  Head Start is a short online course designed to bridge the gap into higher education. It introduces you to:
    • Effective learning approaches
    • Accessing and evaluating information
    • Academic writing
    • Referencing

You will be invited to join Head Start before you arrive at university. See Head Start for more information.

  • Skills@Cumbria is an online academic skills platform which is supplemented by specialist Academic Skills Advisers who can support you with your studies.

 

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