At The University of Sheffield we are committed to ensuring that students who have experience of being in care have a successful and enjoyable time studying with us.
We're committed to ensuring that you get the support you need at each stage of your journey. Our team of experts are able to understand the often complex requirements that you may have if you’re care experienced or have become estranged from your family.
We're a signatory to the Care Leaver Covenant.
Support before you apply
Whether you're just starting to think about your future or you're looking for more information about support at university, we're here for you.
If you're care experienced or estranged from your family, we can help you research your options and work through the UCAS application process. Everything we do is supported by our student ambassadors - current students who are care experienced or are estranged from their families.
Visiting Sheffield
Visiting campus is a great opportunity to speak to us about applying to University. We can arrange to meet you at one of our undergraduate open days or if you'd like to visit on a different day, one of our student ambassadors, who may have similar circumstances, can take you on a tour of campus.
You don't have to do this alone. You're welcome to bring a supporter - whether it be a friend, guardian or social worker. We even have an Access+ Travel Bursary that may help towards your travel costs.
Making your application
If you're care experienced or are estranged from your family, you may be eligible for a contextual offer equivalent to one grade below the standard A Level entry requirements for your course, as part of Access+.
Simply tell us your circumstances using our Access+ eligibility declaration. We'd also encourage you to complete our Disrupted Studies Application form, to help us put your application into context.
Financial help
As an estranged student or care leaver, you may be eligible for a university bursary. This bursary is automatically awarded each year of study.
Unlike a loan, you don't have to pay it back.
You could get up to:
£10,000 for full-time students
£5,000 for part-time students
Accommodation
We guarantee that care experienced and estranged students living in University accommodation can stay on campus for the full year and that you'll live with the majority of new students. Our award-winning student residential support service, Residence Life will provide a busy calendar of social events and Residence Life mentors are always on hand to offer advice and support.
You'll be asked for a deposit when confirming your booking. If you're experiencing any financial challenges, contact the Student Fees and Funding team who can explore your options with you [email protected].
You can stay in University accommodation throughout your studies and as a returning student you'll have the chance to choose your room early before most bookings open.
Accommodation guarantor scheme
If you’re a care leaver or have become estranged from your family and do not have anyone to act as a guarantor, you might be eligible for our accommodation guarantor scheme. The guarantee could help cover your rent if you fall into financial difficulty and cannot pay.
Arrival and welcome
After accepting your place we’ll get in touch about joining the University and make sure you're aware of all the support you can access.
You'll have a designated contact in our Student Experience, Diversity and Inclusion team who you can talk to about any concerns you have before you arrive.
A student mentor could support you when you arrive on campus. This will be a second or third year student who will show you round your department and the University, offering one-to-one, confidential advice and support. You'll usually be matched with a mentor from your department and, if possible, the same course.
You'll have the chance to take part in Orientation Week. It's a great opportunity to make friends and learn more about the city and campus. You’ll be able to attend virtual talks and take part in social activities with staff and student ambassadors.
You’ll be invited to our care experienced and estranged student socials throughout the year, where you will have the chance to meet other students - not just first years!
You'll also be invited to drop-ins in October (which run throughout the year) to meet our support team and grab a free Your wellbeing
A support network
Your designated contact in the Student Experience, Diversity and Inclusion team will keep in touch and help with any issues you have. Wellbeing advisors in your faculty and a contact in your department will also be on hand to provide support.
Your mental wellbeing is really important to us. Our Student Access Mental Health Support service will help you explore the broad range of psychological support available to you.
Academic support
You can get a support plan to help you access additional academic help and identify any other challenges that you may need support with. All our students are allocated a personal tutor and departments have support staff to help with any issues you might have.
Careers and next steps
Our Careers and Employability Hub is available to help you throughout your studies and for as long as you need us after graduation.
Whatever your starting point, and whatever support you need, the Careers and Employability Hub can help you reach your full potential.
You may also be eligible for dedicated additional support through Equal Opportunities in Careers.
Contact us
If you have any questions about applying or visiting us, get in touch. You can find out about anything from arranging priority consideration for your university accommodation, to concerns about studies and student life.
If you have any queries about funding, get in touch with our finance team.
You can also view our webpage here to find out further information about support available.