What support is available for student carers?

If you have caring responsibilities, we know that there are many challenges that you may face and have extra support available to you.

A carer is anyone who gives unpaid care to a family member, partner or friend who could not cope without their support. This may be due to a long-term illness, disability, a mental health condition, or an addiction.

Before you join the University

If you would like to find out more about what support you may be able to get at the University of Surrey, you can get in touch with the Student Success and EDI team who can arrange an informal chat. You may also wish to check out the UCAS pages dedicated to Carers for more information, guidance and support.

Government Financial Support

The UK government offers Carer's Allowance which is a benefit paid to you if you spend at least 35 hours a week looking after a disabled person (defined as a person claiming certain elements of Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or the Personal Independence Payment). In order to be eligible you must be a part-time student and earning no more that £123 per week.

Time out from studies

If your caring responsibilities have ceased and you are waiting to return to study you may be able to apply for universal credit for up to a year until you can recommence study.

Financial and Technological Support

If you require financial assistance you can apply for the Hardship Fund, and the Access to Learning Fund for money towards books and other learning equipment (such as PPE) for your programme.

You can also take advantage of our long-term Laptop Loan Scheme where you can rent a laptop for a whole semester or, at times, a whole academic year.

Sports

If finances are a barrier to joining in with sports at Surrey, you may be eligible as a care leaver/care experienced student to access funding to support with this.

The Team Surrey Sport and Activity Access Fund has been created to support those students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in their chosen sport or activity due to cost. As a student carer, if eligible, you can apply to the fund for the following financial support:

Contribution towards subscriptions costs, e.g. club membership fees or Team Surrey membership
Contribution towards club participation costs, e.g. equipment or clothing, if members are required to bring their own
90% off of a Surrey Sports Park membership

For more information and how to apply, please email the Student Success and EDI team.

Referral requires a member of staff, such as your personal tutor, the Students’ Union, Student Success and EDI team, Centre for Wellbeing or MySurrey Hive.

Transport

You may be eligible for a parking permit if you are a carer.

General Support

We understand that sometimes juggling University and your personal life can be challenging, and you may need to speak to someone. Our friendly Hive Case Coordinators can provide you with support. You can raise an enquiry with the MySurrey Hive team via Surrey Support and select "Other" as your enquiry topic or contact your personal tutor.

You can also join our mailing list to get the latest news, opportunities and information for our student carers.

External Support

The Carers Trust
You can download the Young Carers Support App