Estranged Students
Estrangement describes students at university without the support of a primary family network. Starting university without the support of family can be extremely daunting. Some estranged students may be worried about how they are going to support themselves throughout their studies. Without support and contact from your parents your maintenance loan will be capped, excluding a ‘means-tested contribution’. However, it is possible to apply for additional financial support from Student Finance England as well as through the university.
Who counts as estranged?
According to student finance an estranged student won’t have had any written or verbal contact with either parent and this is unlikely to change. Usually, for a period of at least twelve months, but they will consider all cases. This is a limited definition and while you may not qualify for extra help from Student Finance England, you may want to seek emotional or wellbeing support from the university for issues surrounding estrangement.
Student Finance
In order to be assessed by student finance you will need to fill in this form and provide supporting evidence. This evidence will usually take the form of supporting evidence from an independent third party with ‘good standing in the community’, which usually means a professional, like a doctor or a teacher. This person should have known about your situation for a substantial period and can verify that you are no longer in contact with your biological, adoptive or living family. This person cannot be a family friend, or member. You can, however, get friends and family to provide additional supporting statements, but these will not be enough on its own.
If student finance decides you are estranged from your parents, you will be assessed as an ‘independent’ student and will therefore be entitled to the maximum amount of maintenance loan.
To find out more about applying to university as an estranged student and whether you count as estranged for the purposes of financial support:
Applying to university if you are experiencing estrangement | UCAS
Estranged Students - advice from UCAS for those going it alone
Financial support for students not supported by their parents (estranged) | UCAS
sfe_estranged_students_factsheet_2526_o.pdf
Bursaries
If you are assessed to be estranged by SFE, you will automatically be considered for the accommodation and Greenwich bursaries.
In addition, if you make any applications to the hardship fund, estrangement will be considered in your application.
Emotional Support
Estrangement isn’t just a financial stress; it can also be a serious emotional stress as well. Students may need someone to talk to about the impact of estrangement on their mental health. You can access help through the university’s wellbeing service through your student portal.
External Links
If you have also spent time living in the care system then please also look at our advice for care experienced students here: Care Leavers
All of Us
Estranged Students - advice from UCAS for those going it alone
Estrangement | Student Finance England (slc.co.uk)
Societies
BrightFutures: A free society which provides a friendly and supportive community for care-experienced and estranged students. Join for fun events, supportive hangouts, and new opportunities. BrightFutures will help you to connect, grow and make the most of University life! Find out more: BrightFutures
You can explore all other Societies offered by GSU here.
Get in touch
If you need any further help and support, please get in touch with the advice service by completing our contact form here.