Care experienced and estranged students support

Once you have spoken to Student Welfare (studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk), we will pass your details onto the team of Welfare Officers, whose job is to support you throughout the life of your course. The team will be there to guide you, answer questions and refer to you more specialist services if required. They will make contact with you at the start of term and arrange to meet up to discuss your needs and how best they can support you.

After talking to Student Welfare, you will know if you meet the University of Reading's criteria above, if you are then you will be eligible for cash bursaries of £1,000 in each year of study, and the Student Financial Support team will also provide financial support towards the cost of gown hire and one photograph for your graduation upon successful completion of your course

Student Welfare will pass on your details to the Student Financial Support team who will contact you to outline the support available throughout the duration of your course, including individual appointments with a named contact within our team to discuss your finances if required. The Student Financial Support team will also provide a gown hire for graduation on successful completion of your course.

Please note that the Care Experienced and Estrangement Bursary is only available for each year of undergraduate study.

We assist you by waiving deposits until the Student Loans Company processes student payments and you have funds at your disposal to make the payment. We always take welfare concerns into account when prioritising any students on a waiting list; students from a care background are automatically placed in this category.

We ensure that 52-week accommodation for care leavers are available each year if required, and flexible summer bookings are also available to extend a standard 40-week contract if preferred.

We also offer a meet and greet service when you arrive at the University to help you find your accommodation and to signpost any other services that may be helpful to you.

Contact Sophia Hagalid, Accommodation Contract Officer, for further information: s.hagalid@reading.ac.uk.

The careers team supports you through providing impartial information, advice and guidance on a range of topics including discussing job options with your degree, putting together effective applications, searching for experience and opportunities, and more! 

Career events (employer presentations, fairs, webinars) and 1:1 appointments (application checks, career guidance, interview practice) are offered to all students regardless of background. We also provide a fortnightly opportunities list specifically for students from underrepresented groups.  

For any queries relating to careers support at the University, please contact Careers at careers@reading.ac.uk.

You may also be able to access additional support outside of the University.

Student Finance information for independent students

Student Finance England (SFE) has advice specifically related to financial support in the UK for independent students. You can find out how your situation will be taken into account by SFE, what evidence you will need to support your applications for finance, and more on their definition of estrangement.

Stand Alone

Stand Alone is a charity supporting people of all ages who become estranged from their family. They offer innovative advice and support services, as well as running support groups, a range of therapeutic workshops and a programme to connect people for ongoing emotional support. They have also published online information and advice guides for all people experiencing estrangement or disownment who can’t reach a group or workshop.

Stand Alone has a designated student support portal, which offers support on a range of topics such as student finance and providing evidence.

Become Charity

Become, the charity for children in care and young care leavers, provides a range of support, as well as a dedicate advice line. You can also visit their propel site, which has specific resources for higher education.