What support is available for students estranged from their families?
If you have lost contact with your family, we can help provide you with personalised support.
One to one 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. Please select "Other" as your enquiry topic and your enquiry will be sent to the Student Success and EDI team. Or contact your personal tutor.
Prior to your registration at the University, you can contact the Student Success and EDI team for support, advice and guidance as an estranged student. The Team will also provide you with a Welcome Pack when you first make contact on arrival, as well as running drop ins during welcome week to go over any support you may need during your time here at Surrey.
Confirmation of estrangement/SFE
If you complete the confirmation of estrangement form you may be able to be assessed as an independent student rather than on the basis of your household income.
The Confirmation of Estrangement form requires a third party to verify your situation, and this can be filled out by a member of university staff, such as your personal tutor, Hive Case Coordinator, or the Student Success and EDI team.
Depending on the nature and length of the relationship you have with that member of staff, SFE may ask for further evidence.
Usually, we require you to have worked with a university service for up to a year before the form can be completed by a member of staff. However, we understand that sometimes estrangement can occur during your time at university, or even before you start University, and you may not have told anyone about this. In these cases, a member of university staff may be able to fill out your confirmation of estrangement form, however, please be aware that SFE may ask for further evidence.
For further guidance on any questions related to student finance as an estranged student, please look at information provided by Stand Alone.
Financial and technological support
You will be assessed on entry for The Care Leaver and Estranged Student Bursary if you have indicated you are estranged on your UCAS or application form. If you did not indicate your are an estranged student on your application form, or you've recently become estranged and believe you are eligible for the bursary, please contact Student Success and EDI by raising an enquiry with the MySurrey Hive team via Surrey Support. Please select "Other" as your enquiry topic. Estranged students may also be able to access other funds/bursaries to support them during their studies if not eligible for the above – see our bursaries page.
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.
Accommodation
You will be given priority for on-campus accommodation during the summer breaks and in your second and third year of studying. If you require extra support for your accommodation regarding the deposit or move in date, you can enquire with our accommodation team.
Estranged students wishing to rent privately can access our Guarantor Scheme and have the administration costs paid by the University. You should raise an enquiry with the MySurrey Hive team via Surrey Support . Please select "Other" as your enquiry topic.
Sports
If finances are a barrier to joining in with sports at Surrey, you may be eligible as a care experienced and estranged student to access funding to support with this. Referral required a member of staff, such as your personal tutor, the Students’ Union, Student Success and EDI team, Centre for Wellbeing, or MySurrey Hive team.
Study abroad
You can apply for a study award to fund participation in summer programmes abroad.
Employability and Careers
The Employability and Careers team also have resources to support students in their job hunting and upskilling on their Surrey Pathfinder platform, as well as exclusive mentoring opportunities. Look out for emails from the team with details of how to apply.
Stand Alone Pledge
The University has signed up to the Stand Alone Pledge.
External Support
There are many websites and organisations who support care experienced and estranged students, many of which the University is connected to enabling us to learn and share best practices and provide the best support.
These include:
- Unite Foundation – they have a handy list of guides, links, job opportunities, and organise meet-ups
- The EaCES Handbook – information and advice written by estranged and care experienced students with practical tips and guidance on how to meet others from a similar background
- Stand Alone – although no longer active, you may find handy resources on this charity’s website
- This Is Us – podcast is created by and for care experienced and estranged students.