Navigating University Life as a Young Adult Carer in West Sussex

Spotlight On: University & Caring

1. Student Finance & Loans: Unlocking Your Funding

Understanding student finance is your first crucial step. The good news is that financial support is available to help you cover both your university tuition fees and your living costs.

• Tuition Fee Loan: This loan covers the full cost of your university course (currently up to £9,535 per year for most UK universities, or £11,440 for accelerated degree courses). It’s paid directly to the university, so you don’t handle this money yourself. You can find out more here: www.gov.uk/student-finance/new-fulltime-students
• Maintenance Loan: Designed to help with your living expenses (rent, food, bills, transport, etc.), the amount you receive is “means-tested,” meaning it depends on your household income. Check the website to see how much you could get: www.gov.uk/student-finance/new-fulltime-students
  • Crucial for Carers: If you currently receive Carer’s Allowance (currently £81.90 a week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week) you cannot apply for the maintenance loan. You can only receive both if you are a part time student studying for less than 21 hours a week. You can check if you’re eligible for Carer’s Allowance here: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility
    • Action Point: Contact Student Finance England directly to discuss your specific benefit situation. They can advise you on how any benefits you are receiving might affect your maintenance loan. You can do that here: www.gov.uk/contact-student-finance-england
• University Bursaries & Hardship Funds: Many universities and charities recognise the unique challenges faced by student carers. They often have specific bursaries, grants, or hardship funds designed to provide non-repayable financial support to students with caring responsibilities and/or low income. Such as the Betty Martin Grant – An educational grant for young people aged under 25 who live in Sussex and need help to enhance their career prospects. Turn2Us have a grants search on their website to help you see what might be available to you: www.turn2us.org.uk/
• Open University have a Carers’ Bursary award, which offers £250 to registered students providing unpaid care to a friend or family member who cannot cope without their care. Find out more here: www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding/carers-bursary

💡 Tip: Don’t wait! Contact your chosen university’s student finance department or student support services as early as possible. Be open about your individual circumstances as a carer; they are there to help you explore all available funding options.

2. Student Accommodation: Finding Your Home Away From Home

Choosing the right accommodation is essential for creating a stable environment that supports both your studies and your caring responsibilities. West Sussex is home to the University of Chichester (with campuses in Chichester and Bognor Regis) and several colleges such as Plumpton College, Worthing College, and Crawley College. Each offers different accommodation landscapes. Or, you may want to go further afield and attend a university outside of West Sussex.

• University-Managed Accommodation:
  • Pros: Often includes utility bills, internet, and basic insurance, simplifying budgeting. Can offer a supportive community environment, especially in your first year.
  • Considerations for Carers: When discussing your needs with the university’s accommodation services, highlight the importance of:
    • Proximity: How close is it to your caring responsibilities or public transport links to reach them?
    • Accessibility: Are there specific accessibility needs for you or for facilitating visits from the person you care for, if applicable?
    • Quiet Study Spaces: Access to a quiet, private space is paramount for effective study.
    • Flexibility: Can the university offer priority placement or adaptions to standard tenancy agreements if your caring role requires it?
  • West Sussex Specifics: The University of Chichester offers various halls, including catered and self-catered options. Plumpton College has “Outstanding” rated live-in accommodation for its specialist courses. Always check the specific institution’s website for the most up-to-date information and costs. I.e. For the University of Chichester’s accommodation click here: www.chi.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/
• Private Rented Accommodation:
  • Pros: This can offer significantly more flexibility and independence, allowing you to tailor your living situation more precisely to your caring needs. You might find properties with extra rooms, better accessibility, or in specific locations closer to home.
  • Considerations:
    • Tenancy Rights: Ensure you fully understand your tenancy agreement, including the length of the contract, notice periods, and deposit protection.
    • Bills: In most private rentals, you’ll be responsible for setting up and paying for utilities (electricity, gas, water), internet, and council tax (students are usually exempt from council tax, but ensure you get an exemption certificate: www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-full-time-students). Factor these additional costs into your budget.
    • Guarantor: Many landlords require a UK-based guarantor (usually a parent or guardian) who will be responsible for your rent if you’re unable to pay.
  • Where to Look: Search for student letting agents in the area your chosen university or college is. Online property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket) are also valuable. Student housing groups on social media can be a good source of information and potential housemates.

3. University Support Services: Your Network for Success

Universities are increasingly aware of the diverse needs of their student population; they have a range of support services designed to help you thrive:

• Disability Services: When filling out your UCAS application form it is helpful if you indicate any disability, specific learning difference or medical condition. This will not slow or affect the application process; your application will continue to be assessed on academic suitability. You may feel reluctant to reveal a disability or specific learning difference. Although this is understandable, it’s important to provide as much relevant information as soon as possible to allow you and the University to agree, at the earliest opportunity, what might be needed for you to study or whether the facilities and services would meet your needs.
• Counselling and Wellbeing Services: University life can be demanding. Universities can have a wellbeing service, which can offer confidential support for your mental health and wellbeing, which is crucial when balancing multiple responsibilities. However, it’s important to note that while most universities offer some form of wellbeing support, not all provide the same level of comprehensive support. Larger universities often have more dedicated staff and resources for mental health support, while smaller universities may rely on emergency services or collaborate with local providers. So it’s important to research the level of support your chosen university can provide.
• Academic Tutors: Your course tutor can be a key ally.
  • Action Point: Inform your university about your caring responsibilities, ideally when you apply or during induction. This allows them to provide appropriate support from the outset, such as:
    • Flexible Deadlines & Extensions: Understanding that unforeseen caring emergencies can arise.
    • Access to Lecture Recordings/Note-Takers: To ensure you don’t miss out on vital information if you must be absent.
    • Prioritised Timetabling: Where possible, to avoid clashes with essential caring duties.

💡 Tip: Collaborate with your university to create a support plan. This formalises your needs and ensures you have access to the necessary resources throughout your degree.