Being a carer while studying can be rewarding, but it can also come with extra challenges. You might be balancing lectures, assignments and exams alongside caring responsibilities, travelling home regularly, or supporting a family member, friend, partner or child. At times, that can feel like a lot to manage.

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The good news is that support is available. Whether you're looking for financial help, academic support or simply someone to talk things through with, you don't have to navigate it alone.

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Am I a student carer?

A student carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a partner, family member, friend or child who has:

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• a disability

• a physical or mental health condition

• an addiction

• additional support needs.

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Every caring situation looks different. You don't need to be providing full-time care to identify as a carer. If you're not sure whether this applies to you, get in touch with our Advice Team and we can help you understand what support may be available.

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What financial support is available?

Being a carer can sometimes create additional financial pressures alongside your studies. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for extra support.

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• Carers' Bursary: Student carers may be able to apply for a Carers' Bursary. Support is considered on an individual basis, so we'd encourage you to speak to our Advice Team if you're experiencing financial difficulties related to your caring responsibilities.

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• Carers’ Travel Grant: The University offers a non-means tested fund for students with additional travel costs that you may incur due to your caring responsibilities. Find out more on their website.

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• Adult Dependants' Grant: If an adult depends on you financially, you may be eligible for an Adult Dependants' Grant through Student Finance. This funding does not need to be repaid and can help with the additional costs of supporting someone while studying. Check the latest eligibility criteria on GOV.UK.

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What support is available for my studies?

Caring responsibilities can sometimes affect your ability to attend classes, complete assessments or keep up with your workload. If that's happening, support is available.

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• Mitigation: If unexpected caring responsibilities affect your ability to meet a deadline or complete an assessment, you may be able to apply for mitigation. Read our Mitigation Support Guide for more information.

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• Academic support: The University offers a range of academic support services to help you develop study strategies, build confidence and manage your workload, such as the Study Zone and one-to-one study support appointments. You can find out more on the University’s website.

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Asking for support early can often make things feel more manageable.

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Can I connect with other student carers?

Being a student carer can sometimes feel isolating, especially if people around you don't fully understand your situation.

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The University runs a Parents' and Carers' Network, providing opportunities to connect with others balancing caring responsibilities alongside work or study. Visit the University’s website for more information.

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Exeter Cares can also offer 1-1 support, career guidance and a programme of events throughout the year to connect with other students who are in a similar situation.

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What support is available outside the University?

There are a number of organisations that offer specialist support for carers.

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Carers UK provides information, advice and support on topics including:

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• carers' rights

• financial support and benefits

• wellbeing

• balancing caring responsibilities with work or study

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Bright Futures Care supports young adult carers and can help you build confidence, resilience and skills while managing periods of change and transition.

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Feeling overwhelmed?

When you're caring for someone else, it can be easy to put your own needs last. If you're worried about your finances, struggling with your studies, or simply feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to ask for support. You don't have to wait until things reach crisis point.

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We can:

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• talk through the support available to you

• help you explore financial support options

• explain University processes such as mitigation

• signpost you to specialist services

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com

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Whatever your caring responsibilities look like, we're here to help you make the most of your time at Exeter.