Managing university as a care experienced mature student

Hi my name is Sherrie and I am a care-experienced mature student with an autoimmune disability facing challenges navigating university life, but with the support of unexpected allies, I have found the strength to overcome adversity and pursue my higher education dream of studying Psychology at the University of Reading. I love my University experience and have just completed the RED awards extra curricular program for my University. RED stands for Respect, Equality and Diversity and I took part in these international projects from the comfort of my own home. Check out your Universities extracurricular to see if your university has something similar to offer. If I can do it - So can you!

The Office for Students estimates that around 3,000 estranged students enter universities and only 14% of care-experienced students go to University and enjoy their time at university. This is due to the unique challenges they face, such as:

• Financial insecurity: Lack of parental support can lead to significant financial strain, impacting their ability to focus on studies and enjoy university life.

• Emotional and psychological difficulties: Estrangement can cause emotional trauma and mental health issues, affecting their well-being and academic performance.

• Lack of social support: Without family support networks, estranged students may struggle to build social connections and feel isolated , concerned where to return to and learning life skills.

• Navigating bureaucracy: Understanding and accessing financial aid, housing options, and other support services can be complex for care leavers. The lack of familiarity with bureaucratic systems can create additional barriers and frustrations

When I joined the university, I nervously explained my difficulties to a student representative. She listened attentively, offering practical solutions, liaising with student finance and personally assisting me as I navigated the national DSA delay crisis providing emotional support during a very difficult time. She suggested utilizing university resources like assistive technology and disability support services, and the University DAS department provided me with Glean, a personal study tool on a temporary licence.

I am grateful that my university is very supportive towards estranged and care experienced students with regular life skills workshops. One of these is The Life Tools programme which is a series of free talks designed by experts to help you transition into university life and enhance your student experience. The programme gave me the skills to be proactive and take control of my earning and personal and professional development. I recommend reaching out to your own wellbeing team and seeing if there are similar programmes either in person or online that can help you build the skills needed to make the most of your university experience. Often there are support services within the university where you can get informed support with cost of living, employment, training and further opportunities.

I also have a mental health mentor who keeps me focused and encouraged me by telling me about the students she worked with in the past and their success with mentoring which was hopeful and inspiring.

Another invaluable resource is the university library. The library is a big community at university and taking advantage of the advice teams within these buildings is a great way to build confidence especially if, like me, there are some things that you are academically unsure of. Your university might also have specialist library liaisons to guide you on material for your course and provide a guided tour of the library. Make sure to reach out to your academic support team to get support as well..

Many universities also provide hardship loans and grants to those students who require extra financial support to take the burden off having to study and get into immediate work. Reach out to your student money advice (or similar) team to understand whether there is any financial support available.

Building a community of students with similar university experiences is also a great way to make the most of the university experience. My university runs care leavers games and pizza sessions where you can focus on meeting students in a similar position and enjoy socialising in a safe and welcoming environment. Make sure to look at your university and students union to see what activities/groups there are if there isn’t a care leavers support group already you can suggest one. By getting involved this way you can start to build a sense of community and belonging which can really improve the university experience.

Universities have a range of support available, oftentimes it’s understanding where to find these services that is the hard part. I want to reassure care experienced students, students with a long- term disability and estranged students who are the most underrepresented, you are not alone and you can do this! It is never too late to do something you enjoy and are passionate about. Do not worry if the person you reach out to initially isnt the right person, the switchboard and student services normally direct you to the right department depending on your query.

Many of the challenges mentioned can significantly impact a care leaver's ability to succeed in higher education. However, many universities are working to create more supportive inclusive environments for care leavers, estranged students and mature students with disability through initiatives such as dedicated support services, financial aid programs, and awareness campaigns. Make sure to reach out if you are struggling and need support - you deserve a great university experience no matter your circumstances.