Being estranged from your family can affect lots of different parts of university life. You might be navigating your finances without parental support, worrying about where you'll live during the holidays or dealing with the emotional impact of a difficult family relationship alongside your studies.

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Whatever your situation, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. There is support available through the University, Exeter Cares and our Advice Team.

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What does being an estranged student mean?

Estrangement generally means having little or no contact with your parents or family, with that situation unlikely to change.

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There can be lots of reasons why family relationships break down. This might include experiences of abuse, controlling behaviour, differences around religion, sexuality or gender identity, or other difficult family circumstances.

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Your situation might have developed over a long period of time, or something may have happened suddenly.

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Different organisations, including Student Finance and the University, can have their own criteria for recognising estrangement. This means it's worth getting advice about your individual circumstances rather than assuming you will or won't qualify for support.

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What if I've only recently become estranged?

Reach out for support. Student Finance England normally expects someone applying for independent status because of estrangement to have had no contact with their parents for a period of time. However, that doesn't mean you can't ask for help if your family relationship has broken down more recently.

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Your circumstances can be considered individually, and you may need to explain what's happened and provide evidence.

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Sudden estrangement can also leave you dealing with immediate practical issues such as money, accommodation and your wellbeing.

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Our Advice Team and Exeter Cares can help you understand what support might be available and what you need to do next.

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What if I have a difficult family relationship but I'm not fully estranged?

You can still talk to us. Family relationships aren't always straightforward, and your circumstances might not fit neatly into a particular definition.

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You might still have occasional contact with your family, be financially unsupported or be thinking about becoming estranged.

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We can talk through what's happening, explain the support that may be relevant and help you understand your options.

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You don't have to wait until you've completely lost contact with your family before asking for advice.

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Can I get more Student Finance if I'm estranged?

If you're eligible for Student Finance England and you're estranged from your parents, you may be able to apply to be assessed as an independent student.

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Normally, Student Finance uses information about your parents' household income when working out how much Maintenance Loan you're entitled to.

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If Student Finance recognises you as independent because of estrangement, your parents' income won't be included in that assessment.

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This can be particularly important if you can't safely contact your parents or ask them to provide financial information.

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You'll usually need to tell Student Finance about your estrangement and provide evidence from an independent person who knows about your circumstances.

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Check the current Student Finance guidance for estranged students to see what evidence they accept.

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Our Advice Team can also help you understand the process and what evidence you might be able to provide.

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What evidence might Student Finance ask for?

Student Finance may ask for a supporting statement from an independent person who knows about your circumstances.

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Depending on your situation, this could be someone such as:

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• a teacher or member of staff from your school or college

• a doctor

• a social worker

• a counsellor

• a housing support worker

• another appropriate professional who knows about your circumstances.

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Don't worry if you're not sure what evidence you have. Talk to us and we can help you understand what Student Finance is asking for.

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You'll normally need to tell Student Finance that you're estranged when you apply for funding each year, although the evidence they ask for can depend on your circumstances.

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What financial support is available from the University?

There may be additional financial support available alongside your Student Finance.

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• Estranged Student Bursary
  
  The University provides additional bursary support for eligible estranged students. Eligibility and the support available can change, so check the University's current information or speak to Exeter Cares rather than relying on previous amounts or criteria.

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• Access to Exeter Bursary
  
  Some Home undergraduate students may also qualify for the Access to Exeter Bursary based on their household income and the University's current eligibility criteria. This is usually assessed using information provided through your student funding application, so make sure you've given permission for the relevant financial information to be shared with the University.

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• Success for All Fund
  
  If you're experiencing financial difficulties while you're studying, you may also be able to apply to the University's Success for All Fund. Our Advice Team can help you look at the financial support available and work out which options might be relevant to you.

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Can I get accommodation throughout the year?

If you don't have a family home to return to during University holidays, speak to Exeter Cares about your accommodation options.

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The University can provide 365-day accommodation for Exeter Cares students where it's needed, although you may need to move between residences at certain points during the year.

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It's worth discussing this as early as you can so you know what your options are.

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What if I don't have someone who can be my guarantor?

This is a common concern for students who don't have family support.

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Landlords and letting agents often ask for a UK-based guarantor when you're renting privately, which can create an additional barrier if you can't ask a parent or family member.

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The University currently works with a rent guarantor provider, and additional help may be available for eligible estranged students through Exeter Cares.

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Speak to Exeter Cares about the current support before paying for a guarantor service yourself.

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Our Housing Advice can also help you with finding accommodation, understanding contracts, finding housemates and navigating private renting.

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What other support is available through Exeter Cares?

Exeter Cares brings together support for students who may need some additional help navigating university, including estranged students.

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Support can depend on what you need, but could include help around:

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• finances

• accommodation and holiday periods

• wellbeing

• settling into university

• connecting with other students

• accessing other University opportunities and support.

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There may also be opportunities to meet other students with similar experiences.

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You don't need to wait until something has gone wrong before getting in touch.

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Can I get support with my wellbeing?

Estrangement can have an emotional impact as well as practical and financial consequences.

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Certain times of year, including holidays and celebrations, might feel particularly difficult. You might also be dealing with loneliness, uncertainty or the impact of what happened within your family.

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The University's Wellbeing Services can support you with your mental health and wellbeing.

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If what's happening is affecting your studies, there may also be academic support available. Our Advice Team can help you understand relevant University processes and what options you might have.

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Can I speak to another student who understands?

Peer support can give you the opportunity to connect with other students and talk to people who may understand some of the experiences you're navigating.

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Check the University's current Peer Support and Exeter Cares information to find out what opportunities are available.

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One of the strongest messages we've heard from estranged students at Exeter is that asking for help can make a real difference.

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As one student put it:

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“Don't be afraid to ask for help.”

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You don't have to manage every part of university independently just because you're navigating it without family support.

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Where else can I find information about estrangement?

Standalone provides information and support around family estrangement, including resources for estranged students.

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They have information about navigating university without family support and understanding some of the practical challenges that can come with estrangement.

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How can the Advice Team help?

If you're estranged, recently become estranged or have a difficult family relationship and aren't sure whether you'd be considered estranged, talk to us.

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Our Advice Team can help you:

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• understand Student Finance and independent student status

• work through evidence requirements

• explore bursaries and financial support

• look at your options if you're struggling financially

• get help with housing and accommodation

• understand University processes if your circumstances are affecting your studies

• connect with Exeter Cares and other specialist support.

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Every family situation is different. You don't need to work out whether you meet a particular definition before getting in touch.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com and we'll help you work through your options.