Coming to university can bring lots of new things to navigate, from managing your money and finding somewhere to live to settling into your studies.

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If you've spent time in care, there is additional support available to help you before you arrive at Exeter and throughout your time here. You don't need to work out what you're entitled to on your own. The University’s Exeter Cares team and our Advice Team can help you understand what support is available and where to go next.

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What's the difference between a care leaver and a care-experienced student?

You might see both terms used when looking for support.

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The University defines a care leaver as a young person, up to the age of 25, who has been looked after by a UK local authority for more than 13 weeks since the age of 14, including some time at age 16 or 17.

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Care experienced is a broader term. It includes anyone who has been or is currently in care, or comes from a looked-after background, at any stage of their life and for any length of time. This could include foster care, residential care, kinship care or being looked after at home with a supervision requirement.

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Different types of support have different eligibility criteria, so don't worry if you're unsure which definition applies to you. The Exeter Cares team can help you understand what's available.

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What financial support is available?

There are different types of financial support available depending on your circumstances.

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• Tuition fee waiver
  
  If you meet the University's definition of a care leaver, you may be eligible for a full tuition fee waiver while studying an undergraduate or PGCE course at Exeter.
  
  If you've identified yourself as care-experienced on your UCAS application, the University may contact you for more information so it can understand what support you're eligible for. Check the University's current care leaver support information for eligibility and how the fee waiver works. As a care leaver, you will be entitled to a travel bursary of a maximum of £150 to cover the costs of travelling to attend one of our offer holder campus tours.

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• Care Leavers' Bursary
  
  Eligible undergraduate care leavers may also be able to receive a Care Leavers' Bursary to provide additional financial support while studying.
  
  Eligibility and support can change, so check the University's current guidance rather than relying on previous bursary amounts or criteria.

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• Access to Exeter Bursary
  
  If you're a Home undergraduate student, you may also be eligible for the Access to Exeter Bursary, depending on your household income and other eligibility criteria.
  
  The University usually assesses eligibility using information provided to your student funding body, so it's important to give permission for your financial information to be shared with the University. Check the University's bursaries and scholarships pages for current eligibility.

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Can I get help with Student Finance?

Yes. If you're a care leaver, Student Finance may assess you as an independent student rather than using your parents' household income.

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This can affect the amount of Maintenance Loan you're entitled to.

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Student Finance rules can be complicated, particularly when you're being assessed as independent for the first time.

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Our Advice Team can help you understand the process and what information you may need to provide. Read our undergraduate student finance guide for more information.

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Can I get help with accommodation?

Yes. Finding somewhere suitable to live can be particularly important if returning to a family home during university holidays isn't an option for you.

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The Exeter Cares team can talk through your accommodation needs and the options available. Students supported by Exeter Cares can ask about 365-day accommodation if they need somewhere to live throughout the year. Depending on the accommodation available, this may involve moving between residences during the year. Support may also be available if you need a guarantor when renting privately. We'd recommend speaking to Exeter Cares early if you have concerns about where you'll live during your studies or university holidays.

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You can also visit our Housing Advice pages for help with finding accommodation, housemates, contracts, moving in and renting privately.

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Is there support to help me settle into university?

Yes. Exeter Cares provides support for care leavers and care-experienced students throughout their university journey.

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This can include someone to talk to about your experience at university, help finding the right support and opportunities to connect with other students.

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There is also transition support available to help eligible students prepare for university life before starting at Exeter. You don't need to wait until you're struggling to reach out. Support is there to help you make the most of university as well as help when something goes wrong.

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Can I get academic support?

Yes. If you need some extra support with your studies, there are services available to help.

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The University's Study Zone offers academic skills support, including resources, workshops and opportunities for one-to-one support.

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You may also be able to access Peer Support,,where students in later years can share their experience and help you settle into university and your course.

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Can I get careers and employability support?

Yes. The Career Zone can support you with exploring careers, finding work experience, preparing applications and planning what you'd like to do after university.

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Care leavers and care-experienced students may also be eligible for additional opportunities through Access to Internships (A2i). A2i can provide additional support and funding to help eligible students access internships and work experience.

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Visit the Career Zone and A2i pages to see what opportunities are currently available.

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What about healthcare and wellbeing?

It's a good idea to register with a GP when you arrive at university so you can access healthcare when you need it. You can register with a student health centre or another GP surgery close to where you live.

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There is also wellbeing support available through the University if you're finding things difficult or would like some additional support.

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How can the Advice Team help?

There can be a lot of different support to navigate, and it isn't always obvious what you're eligible for.

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Our Advice Team can help you:

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• understand what financial support may be available

• navigate Student Finance, including independent student status

• explore your options if you're experiencing financial difficulties

• talk through housing concerns

• understand University processes

• find the right University or specialist service for your situation

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com.

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Whatever your circumstances, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. We're here to help you understand your options and find the support that's right for you.