We offer a range of support, financial aid and services to help all students, with specialist support if you're an estranged student.
Who is considered to be an estranged student?
You're considered to be an estranged student if you are a young person studying without the support and approval of a family network.
Individuals in this position often have no contact at all with their parents, or their parents are no longer living.
If don't think this applies to you, we may have support available for you too — it's possible you may be a care leaver.
You can find more support available for your individual needs and circumstances on our support page.
Welcome to Higher Education
Our Access and Widening Participation team will come out to meet you or you can join us on campus in Preston. We’ll introduce you to higher education, explore ways to finance your studies, explain how to:
- Apply to university
- Write a Personal Statement
- Prepare for university interviews
- Discuss the dedicated support available to estranged students.
Careers & your future
Our Careers team will help you come up with an action plan for the future – what courses are available to you, and what they could lead to?
The careers team can also help you secure part-time work while studying at university, they'll help out with CV and application writing, interview techniques as well as specialist careers support for those with disabilities.
Student life
You can also get a flavour of student life before you start, join us for:
- Workshops, either on campus or within a vocational setting
- On-campus taster days
- Summer schools and residential activity
If you’re struggling to find the money to join us at these events, let us know and we'll be able to help. We have a number of financial support options available for our estranged students.
Support
As an estranged student you are entitled to priority access to our specialist support in areas such as finance, accommodation, disability, wellbeing, counselling, safety and mental health.
We can offer help with your pathway plan by contacting your social worker, or personal advisor if you request this. You'll also be able to access a specialist careers appointment to discuss your career options in the context of your life circumstances in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Careers Advisers have received specialist training to ensure they support our students according to their specific needs or circumstances. They can help you to explore your future options, whether that’s further study, a graduate level job, an internship, skills-development or even travelling. Look out for our specialist careers support sessions advertised throughout the year.
Our specialist support teams are readily available for any questions you might have. Finances
We understand that University can a big financial commitment. We have a number of bursaries available for our estranged students, as well as plenty of guidance around the cost of living at university.
Estranged students are entitled financial assistance worth £1000 per year through our bursary (subject to eligibility).
Once you graduate, you'll be able to claim an additional Graduation Bursary worth £500.
Our campuses are located within some of the most affordable cities in the country. Accommodation
If you choose to study with us, year-round halls accommodation is available for all our estranged students. Let our Student Accommodation Service know you're leaving care and they'll guide you through your options and payment plans.
You're also entitled to immediate priority accommodation if you find yourself suddenly homeless.
Contracts are normally for 42 weeks, including the Christmas and Easter breaks. If you need accommodation for the whole year including the summer, this can be arranged.
To find out more about accommodation offerings across all our campuses, visit our accommodation page.
For any further questions regarding accommodation, you can submit an enquiry and our friendly team will get back to you.
Our student halls host a safe & welcoming community, with student services & security available close-by. We understand that at different stages of your university life you may need different types of support and advice depending on your own individual needs. Our support team are here to help you throughout your studies and can be accessed when you need them.
You can find out more about the wide range of support our teams provide on our support page.
Contact us
Existing students can visit the Student Hub to find out more about the support we can provide and further contact details.
Dedicated Advisor
Talk to our dedicated estranged students Advisor Hannah Small, she’ll be happy to arrange a one-to-one appointment to talk through the support we can offer you.
Telephone: +44 (0)1772 893020
Confidential Admissions Advisor
Speak to one of our Admissions Officers, in confidence. They will give you more information if you need financial help to attend one of our taster sessions.
Phone: +44 (0)1772 892444
Related support
Student support FAQs
Find answers to common questions about library facilities; blackboard; timetables; our academic calendar and more. Answers cover topics from accessing emails and files from home to seeking specialist help.
Cost of living support hub
We're the most affordable uni in the country according to The Times (2023). Discover how to manage your finances and explore the support available.
Care leavers support
For our care leaver students we have support available from before your first day, through to graduation and beyond.
