See the support available if you are a care-experienced and/or estranged student – and who to talk to if you need help.
Notifying the University about your circumstances
Important: If you're a care-experienced or estranged student you need to tick the ‘in care’ box when you apply. This is to notify the University of your circumstances. If you did not tick that box but identify with these experiences, or have not been contacted, email: belong@sussex.ac.uk.
Support for care leavers, care-experienced and estranged students
The University provides an environment for students from all backgrounds to feel safe, heard and focus on their studies. If you are from a care background, there are some support services to help you successfully navigate University life.
Care leavers and care-experienced students
Both care leavers and care-experienced students are entitled to:
- a dedicated member of staff, who will be able to support you and answer any questions you may have before starting with us (pre-entry contact). Care leaver applicants will also be eligible for a contextual offer
- a named on-course contact for the duration of your studies – there will be various activities and events designed for care leavers and care-experienced students
- a dedicated Care Leavers Careers' Consultant in the Careers and Employability Centre
- priority when applying for specific on-campus roles
- priority if applying for the University's hardship fund.
You may also be entitled to the Sussex Bursary, automatically granted to all students with a household income of under £25,000. This includes an award of £1,000 for your first year of study and £500 for every year after.
Care leavers
If you are a care leaver, your additional support includes:
- receiving our new Andrew Rudd Scholarship (up to £5,000 per year of study, excluding foundation years, years abroad, placement years and repeated years) – you will be contacted with more information (including confirmation of exact amount and eligibility) after A-Level results day
- University accommodation for 52 weeks per year for the duration of your course (the University of Sussex does not cover the accommodation cost)
- free bedding pack on arrival (if required)
- a named Student Advisor to offer information, advice and guidance on any issues affecting you personally and academically (advisors provide confidential appointments which can be booked in advance or can offer email or telephone advice).
You are defined as a care leaver by the University of Sussex, if you:
- have been in UK care for at least 13 weeks since your 14th birthday
- will be studying for your first undergraduate degree
- are under 25 when you begin your course.
Estranged students
If you are in the process of applying to Student Finance England as an estranged student, speak with a student advisor to ensure you have access to the full support available to you.
If you are an estranged student, your additional support includes:
- a named on-course contact for the duration of your studies – there will be various activities and events designed for estranged students
- priority if applying for the University's hardship fund
- priority when applying for specific on-campus roles.
You may also be entitled to the Sussex Bursary, automatically granted to all students with a household income of under £25,000. This includes an award of £1,000 for your first year of study and £500 for every year after.
You are defined as an estranged student by the University of Sussex (in line with Student Finance England), if you:
- have not had any written or verbal contact with either parent and this is unlikely to change (usually, for a period of at least 12 months)
- are under 25 when you begin your course.
Other support available
You can also access other support services at Sussex.
Student Centre
Whether it’s a simple query or support with a more complex issue, there’s a wide range of information, advice and guidance available at the Student Centre.
Housing
If you don't have a UK guarantor and need one to move into private sector accommodation, you can apply for the University guarantor scheme to act as one on your behalf.
Money advice
Get advice for managing your finances and find out who to ask if you’re in hardship.
The University has partnered with Blackbullion (financial education specialists) to offer free online help for students with a range of financial issues, including how to budget, deal with debt, entrepreneurship, how to avoid financial scams, enter competitions to win prizes and much more.
Find out about the support services available to students.
Therapeutic services
The University therapy service provides students with wellbeing and mental health support so they can focus on their studies. Find out more about our therapeutic services and request support.
What students have said
“I have been at Sussex for the past two years and have had several meetings with my Student Advisor. Coming from a care background it was a big move and a new start coming to Uni. I have had more help than I could have asked for, especially with my Student Finance application every year. Emails, phone, or face-to-face meetings made keeping up to date a lot easier. My advice for anyone starting at Sussex: If you have any worries or concerns, just go to the Student Centre as they can help and certainly won’t turn you away. Uni is a big thing and can be overwhelming and they will help you with any issues.” – Alex, Care leaver, 2016
“Thank you so much for all your help, advice and support over my time at Sussex. I hope the student advice at my new uni for my Masters is as good if I ever need it!” – Care leaver, 2015
More support services
There are various support services available to you, including: