Student Engagement Team

We offer levels of support to any learners who are formally recognised as Young Care Leavers or Estranged from Family.

• A dedicated contact within the Student Engagement Team to assist with preparation prior to starting, and throughout your course. Email nadine.baxter-smallwood@cumbria.ac.uk, Student Engagement Manager, in the first instance.
• Funded transport to the campus for an Applicant Visit Day (currently available to Young Care Leavers only).
• Advice and guidance on applying and personal statements, which can be done via telephone.
• Initial Student Money meeting (note: students who are Young Care leavers and Estranged from Family who declare their status may have increased priority in being allocated a Cumbria Bursary*).
• Accommodation available 365 days a year at Carlisle, Lancaster and Ambleside (must be requested additionally).
• Opportunity to apply for paid Student Ambassador work.
• Request a celebratory ‘Whoop/Shout Out’ at your Graduation Ceremony.
• Exit package upon graduation to include future careers guidance including job hunting, CV updating and interview preparation.

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.

There are no typical mature students - anyone aged 21 or over at the start of their studies is defined as a mature student or adult learner. You may be returning to study for many different reasons – for example:

• for career or personal development
• to pursue an interest
• to find a new direction

 Whatever your reasons, the University of Cumbria offers a wide variety of courses and support once you’re here.

A Student Parent is someone who has responsibility for a child. 

A Student Carer is someone who provides care, assistance or support to another family member on an unpaid basis, unsupported. This may include caring for a relative who is disabled, has some chronic illness, mental health problem or other condition (including substance misuse) and who ordinarily would not be able to cope without support or supervision. Support for student parents or carers.

We appreciate that study and life in the UK may be different to that of your home country. We can help you with your transition into university study and student life, to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable student experience. Support for International Students.

We appreciate that you often have other commitments alongside your studies which could impact on things like attending classes, focus on studies, or submitting coursework on time. If this happens, then let your tutor, Programme Admin Team, or you contact within the Student Engagement Team know as soon as possible so reasonable adjustments can be considered and put in place. 

Further information about Extenuating Circumstances.

Advice is available if you are thinking about leaving or taking a break from your course. To talk over your options, you can book an appointment with a Student Engagement Co-ordinator.

For those of you based on one of our campuses, come and say hello at our termly Pop Up Events or Campus Walkabouts. If you are rarely on campus or are a distance learner, and want to get in touch, then you can reach us via the online Student Enquiry Point or by emailing sec@cumbria.ac.uk.