Student blog

University can be a big transition for plenty of people: it can mean moving away from a support system, from your home country, and from people you care a lot about. However, for estranged students, university can carry some different challenges.

I spoke to an estranged student to find out more on what estranged students experience. In their own words, an estranged student is somebody who “is not financially connected nor emotionally connected to their parents”. It can also often mean not having a permanent house, which is something that has been shown to have a significant impact on the achievement of young people.

Estranged students can find it harder to adjust to university - emotionally, logistically, physically. The Office for Students’ statistics show that estranged students are “less likely to achieve a first or a 2:1” and “more likely to drop out” than non-estranged students. This does not speak to a lack of motivation or drive, but a problem with the system of university that often leaves estranged students unsupported and sometimes with no other options other than to drop out.

The student I spoke to is currently doing a Foundation Year in Psychology - an extra year before their first year that is designed to help people thrive and in some cases, be able to attend university.

What was the hardest thing to adjust to in university?

The uncertainty - having to be constantly on top of things more so than non-estranged students. Also - being in a different city.

What do you do in Brighton in your spare time?

Reading, raving, taking walks.

One thing about Sussex is that it is an incredible place to be in if you want to be surrounded by nature.

What do you think is the hardest thing about being an estranged student?

The lack of stability.

Are there any positives?

Definitely more independence than some others, and more freedom as well. However, more freedom also comes with an awareness that you’re not necessarily the same as people who have a safe space to go to on the weekends, or a safety net.

What advice would you give to an estranged student coming to uni?

Build a support system - this can mean friends, family you may still be in contact with, social workers and carers, accessing counselling. Manage your finances, stay in contact with all universities you’re applying to about financial support, therapeutic support, academic advising.

Does Sussex give you any help?

Yes, through all of those things: financial support, mental health support, as well as the residential life team which also offer pastoral support.

Lastly, what are you most excited for over the next three years?

Graduating! Living with friends, learning more about my course. But definitely graduating.

It is difficult to be a student at any time, but it can get even more difficult in a hard familial situation. You can find out more about University support for estranged students and care leavers on the Student Hub.

Serena studies Law and French at Sussex. She is super passionate about music and poetry.

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