What is an estranged student?
The term ‘estranged student’ is used to refer to those who are studying without the support of a family network. This will apply to you if you’re:
- Irreconcilably estranged from both parents or carers
- A UK (home) student
- Studying a full-time undergraduate or taught postgraduate course
- Aged under 25 on the first day of the academic year (1 September).
By 'irreconcilably estranged' we mean that either:
- You’ve had no contact at all with your parents or carers for at least 12 months which is unlikely to change
- You can demonstrate on other grounds that you’re estranged from your parents or carers, for example, in exceptional circumstances
- You’re assessed as independent by Student Finance England (SFE) because you’re estranged from both parents or carers.
For estrangement cases that can’t be confirmed by SFE, proof of evidence of ‘genuine estrangement’ would need to be supplied to the University. All applications of estrangement are assessed on an individual basis.
Please note, you’ll not be considered estranged simply on the basis that you live separately from your parents, have recently fallen out with your parents, or your parents are unwilling to complete income assessment forms or contribute towards your student finance. If you’re unsure, please contact us.
How we can help you
We understand that every student’s journey is different and you may face some unique challenges. That’s why we offer dedicated, personalised support for estranged students to help you feel confident, settled, and empowered throughout your time at university.
We’ll work closely with you to develop a tailored support package based on your individual circumstances and goals. Our team is here to support you from the application stage right through to graduation.
We can offer help with:
- Applying to university – including advice on course choices, personal statement feedback, and interview preparation
- Attending university events – we can accompany you to Open Days, campus tours, Applicant Days, and interviews. We can even attend your graduation ceremony and help cover the cost of your gown and photo package.
- Arriving and settling in – support with moving into accommodation and getting to know the campus and local area
- Student finance and funding – guidance on applying for financial support, budgeting, and accessing additional funding you may be eligible for
- Studying and exams – we can help you during any stressful times by meeting up for a chat over a coffee, speaking to your tutor or Programme Leader on your behalf, and signposting you to relevant support services
- Employment – help with job searching, applications, and connecting with our careers service, whether you're looking for graduate opportunities or part-time work over the summer
- Mental health and wellbeing – access to professional support to look after your emotional wellbeing throughout your studies
- Ongoing personal support – we’ll be your central point of contact for any questions, concerns, or issues that may come up. You can meet with us in person, talk by phone, or connect via email or Microsoft Teams.
- Annual check-ins – we’ll meet with you at the start of each academic year to review your support and make sure you have everything you need.
Our aim is to help you make informed choices, feel part of our community, and reach your full potential – both academically and personally.
Financial support
We understand that some students may encounter money worries at some point during their studies, but you’re not alone. You may be entitled to:
- We Care Bursary – a £2,500 bursary awarded for each year of full-time study on an undergraduate or taught postgraduate course
- Student Support Fund – a non-repayable hardship fund to help you with unexpected costs or serious financial problems
- Other scholarships and bursaries – we offer a range of other scholarships and bursaries you may be entitled to.
You can find out more information by visiting our scholarships and bursaries and financial support pages, or by contacting us.
"I was the only person in my family to go to university and I wasn’t in contact with them or my foster families at the point of applying. The We Care Team have helped me more than pretty much anyone in my whole life." Cheria Raw, graduate
Contact us
Wendy Price, Head of Widening Access and Participation, is our dedicated contact for estranged students, and is assisted by Nicola, Safeenah, and Jess. Any contact is kept confidential, and your choices are always respected.
If you have any questions, you can contact the team on 0191 515 2216 or by email at estranged.contact@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).
Financial support contacts
- Student Financial Guidance: 0191 515 2284 or studentfinancialguidance@sunderland.ac.uk
- Scholarships and Bursaries: 0191 515 2865 or scholarships@sunderland.ac.uk.