Support for students who are carers

What do we mean by students who are carers?

Students who are carers

You should be responsible for providing unpaid care to someone who has, for example:

• A long-term illness
• A physical or learning disability
• A mental health condition
• An addiction; or
• Temporary care needs following, for example, an accident or operation

Do you support a young carer? 

If you support a young person with caring responsibilities in Year 7 to Year 10, contact the Higher Education Progression Partnership (Hepp).

Hepp works across the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to encourage more young people to consider higher education opportunities by providing targeted activities in children in care. 

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Our commitment to you 

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 provide care for someone. 

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What our students say

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Support before you apply

How we'll support you

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 a carer we can help you research your options and work through the UCAS application process together. Everything we do is supported by our student ambassadors - current students who are carers.

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 the cost of visiting us. 

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Making your application 

If you're a carer, 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.

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Financial help

Bursary

As a carer for an ill or disabled relative, you could 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:

• £4,500 for full-time students
• £2,250 for part-time students

University bursary for carers

Scholarships

As well as receiving a bursary, you can apply for a range of scholarships, including: 

• The Experience Sheffield Scholarship
• The Sheffield Postgraduate Scholarships, if you'd like to continue your studies at postgraduate level

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Accommodation

If you’re moving into University accommodation, you’ll enjoy a safe, comfortable place to live. 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 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.

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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. 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 also be invited to drop-ins in October (which run throughout the year) to meet our support team and grab a free coffee.

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Your wellbeing

A support network

Your designated contact in our 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 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.

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Careers and next steps 

Our Careers and Employability Hub will 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.

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Contact us

Applying and visiting us

If you have any questions about applying or visiting us, get in touch. You can ask about anything from arranging priority consideration for your university accommodation, to concerns about studies and student life.

access@sheffield.ac.uk

Funding queries

If you have any questions about funding, get in touch with the Student Funding Team: