Care Leavers
Deciding to study at university is a big step for anybody and we feel that you deserve extra support to guide you through the stages if you are leaving care to come to university.
If you choose to attend the University of Roehampton, we have a range of support available for care leavers.
If you'd like to know more about applying to university as a care leaver, including the application process and the support available to you - watch our webinar!
We strongly recommend that you tick the box on your UCAS application as this will help us send you information about the support we can offer.
We want to help you succeed and achieve the goals you've set for yourself, get in touch with the Wellbeing team if you have any questions.
What is a care leaver?
A care leaver is a young person who has been in the care of, or has been given accommodation by, their local authority (LA) for a period of at least 13 weeks before the age of 16. They must also not have reconciled with their parents between leaving care and starting their course.
If you normally live in England, you can apply for a loan to help cover your course fees.
You will be assessed as an independent student, once you provide proof of your care leaver status.
The loans are only repayable when you graduate and earn a certain amount. They can be supplemented in some cases by a loan covering the cost of living.
There's a range of financial support available to you.
If you enrol onto an undergraduate course with us, you'll be eligible for our Care Leaver Bursary, worth £2,000 per academic year. You'll also have priority for our hardship grants if you meet all the criteria.
Please note this is in addition to any other entitlement to financial support you may have.
Many charitable organisations offer grants, bursaries and scholarships.
These include:
- Unite Foundation
- Buttle UK
- The Care Leavers' Foundation
- Rees Foundation
We want you to feel at home.
Our experienced Student Support team will be on hand to support you through your transition to studying at Roehampton.
Before you start, one of our Student Wellbeing Officers will get in touch to talk to you about our services. What's more, our team offer daily drop-in slots online or in-person.
You can access counselling and mental health advice as a priority.
We are committed to supporting you with the cost of living.
Some of the things we offer include:
- A free bus service around the local area
- Free on-site parking
- Affordable meals on campus
- College kitchens
Living on-campus
As a care leaver, you'll be given a priority place in our on-campus accommodation.
You can also request accommodation 365 days of the year.
You'll also be able to
- Move in one week early and have the opportunity to take part in a transition induction programme
- 52 weeks of accommodation for the cost of a 38 weeks
Find out more about our affordable accommodation
Planning to live off-campus? Find out more about being a commuting student.
Upcoming events
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