Estranged students
We are committed to supporting students who are studying without the support and approval of their parents due to a breakdown in their relationship. We want you to feel safe, supported, and able to reach your potential, and we have a comprehensive support package for students who are estranged.
How do we define an estranged student?
In higher education, the term ‘estranged’ applies to students who are under 25 and have limited or no communication with either of their parents. They may be estranged before entering higher education but can also be at risk of estrangement or becoming estranged during their studies.
You can find out more about how your Student Finance application is assessed as an estranged student. You will be required to complete this form to demonstrate estrangement to Student Finance England. Information is also available about support available to estranged students from Wales and Scotland.
If your personal circumstances don’t meet the above definitions (for example, if you are considering estrangement or living with siblings, wider family or friends), or you're not sure, then please do get in contact with us as we’d be happy to talk to you about the support available.
Have you been in care?
If you have been in local authority care, you may be considered a ‘care leaver’ rather than estranged. Please see our information for care leavers about the support available to you.
Student funding
Specialised support
You can contact our Money Advice Service for support and guidance throughout the student finance application process, including on how to apply for independent status with Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/NI.
Bristol Standalone Bursary
Our Bristol Standalone Bursary offers estranged students £1,500 for each year of study (not NHS funded years).
Further financial support
The University offers a number of bursaries including the University of Bristol bursary, take a look at what you might be eligible for using our financial support search tool. Further information about funding your studies is available on our Fees and Funding page.
Accommodation
Unite Foundation Scholarship
Having somewhere of your own to call home matters; we are delighted to be working with the Unite Foundation, supporting students who have previously been in care or are estranged from their parents. The Unite Foundation Scholarship provides recipients with free en-suite accommodation in Unite House or Orchard Heights. With the Unite Foundation scholarship, you’ll have accommodation and bills covered for up to 3 years of study. That includes through the holidays too, so you don’t have to wonder where to go during reading weeks or over Christmas or summer. You can even stay the summer after you graduate to plan your next move. You can find more information about the scholarship and how to apply on the Unite Foundation Scholarship webpage. We recommend you read their information and guidance document before applying.
Summer Accommodation
For those not in receipt of the Unite Foundation Scholarship, Student Accommodation offers short-term summer accommodation in University residences.
Help with guarantors
Most of our halls of residence do not require a deposit or for you to have a guarantor. If you’re living in private rented accommodation, the University has established a relationship with Housing Hand, a company that offer a fully comprehensive guarantor service available to all students.
If you are unable to find a co-signatory for your guarantor application, or the fees are a barrier for you, please get in touch with Maria (maria.tottle@bristol.ac.uk) for help.
Wellbeing support
You can contact Maria Tottle at any point in the year for wellbeing support. This might be for a chat to work through any challenges you may be facing, to talk through the estrangement process, or for 1:1 coaching. We have a range of support at the University which Maria can help you to access.
You are not on your own. There is always a friendly face and listening ear nearby. Find out about the services we have, what they do and how they can help you.
Bristol SU
Bristol SU exists so that all students have the best possible time while they are at Bristol. As well as supporting student development through over 330 sports clubs and societies, you can contact the SU for advice and support on how to get the best outcome from university policies, processes and procedures.
Care Leavers and estranged students’ network
The SU Care Leavers and Estranged Students Network was set up by students in 2019. To find out more about the network, their events and support on offer or to join this free network please see the SU Groups Webpage. Networks are an exciting way for students to build communities and create change through collective action. They are representative bodies that can lead campaigns, hold forums and organise social events.
If you’re considering university, you can contact Josh Shapland, in the Widening Participation team, who offers support throughout the application process. We run events to help you find out more about university, and prioritise applications from estranged students in our widening participation projects.
Josh Shapland (application support)
Phone: +44 (0)7970669059
Email: care-leavers@bristol.ac.uk
(The inbox is shared, hence the name stating 'care leavers' - please do pop any questions about applications and support to this inbox)
If you are an estranged student at the University and you would like to find out more information about the support available, you can contact Maria Tottle who is available for 1:1 advice, support and coaching throughout your time here. Maria can signpost you to additional support around the University and help you to work through any challenges or concerns you may have.
Phone:(+44) (0)7811010176
Email: maria.tottle@bristol.ac.uk
Events and support for current students
Maria, our dedicated care leaver and estranged student contact working with undergraduate students, is able to provide you with support and guidance. She is contactable by email, Microsoft Teams or telephone. Maria will be sending regular updates, as well as opportunities to stay in touch with her and with each other. To make sure you receive these emails please complete our support for care leavers and estranged students form.
Events for current students are listed on the University Events Calendar. You can also contact Maria directly to find out about events for current students.
Read our Stand Alone Pledge
Sign up for our bulletin
Kinship care
If you have been brought up by a relative or friend through a formal arrangement (for example, fostering or Special Guardianship Order) – you are considered as living ‘in care’ and are typically eligible for support as a care leaver.
If your kinship care arrangements are informal (that is, you are not considered ‘in care’) you may still be eligible for support as an estranged student.