Estranged students
The University of Bristol is committed to supporting students who don’t have support from a family network. 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 from their families.
If you’re considering university you can get in contact with Laura Anders in the Outreach Team who can offer support throughout the application process. We run events to help you find out more about university, and prioritise applications from estranged students in our outreach projects.
If you are an estranged student at the University or 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: 0117 331 0631
Email: Maria.Tottle@bristol.ac.uk
How do we define an estranged student?
We define an estranged student as a young person, under the age of 25, who is studying without the support or approval of a family network.
Student Finance will classify you as an independent student if you have not had verbal or written contact with both of your biological, adoptive or only living parents for a significant period (usually 12 months prior to the start of your course) and do not expect this to change.
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.
Helping you thrive
You can find information about support, financing your studies and accommodation options as an estranged student at the University of Bristol below.
Student funding
Specialised support
Julia Cannon in our Student Funding office can give advice 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
The University of Bristol is 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 for three years of undergraduate study.
Summer Accommodation
For those not in receipt of the Unite Foundation Scholarship, the Accommodation Office offers self-catered accommodation in Bristol throughout the summer for incoming and current University of Bristol students from £24 per night.
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.
Wellbeing - where to get help
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.
The SU will soon be launching the Care Leavers and Estranged Students Network. 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.