Applying to university can feel quite daunting and if you are from a care-experienced background, it can feel even more challenging. Knowing what support is available can help you feel more confident about applying to university.
If you’re thinking about applying to university, but you’re worried about accommodation, money and who to turn to for any additional support or guidance, the good news is there’s loads of support available for you. Read on!
Applying to university
All students will need to apply to university directly through UCAS. Give yourself plenty of time to search through courses, universities, and check grade requirements before selecting which universities or colleges you want to apply to. As part of your application, you will also need to complete a personal statement. Applying to university is not free (£26 for multiple choices), however if you have been in care, your local authority should be able to cover the cost for you. Contact your personal advisor or get in touch with the Become team if you would like further advice.
Why do you need to tick the care leaver box?
When completing your UCAS application, you’ll be asked to tick a box if you’re a care leaver. By ticking this box, the university you’re applying to should provide you with extra financial and practical support to help you succeed. If you are offered a place, your future university may even get in direct touch with you to talk you through all the additional support open to you – if you don’t tick the care leaver box, then they won’t be able to do this.
If you’re in doubt as to whether you qualify as a care leaver, get in touch with the named contact at the university who is responsible for working with and supporting care leavers. You can find this information on the university student directory webpage. You can also check out UCAS who provides more information on why it’s important to let universities know that you are a care leaver.
The cost of going to university
Worrying about being able to afford to go to university is extremely common for lots of students. Around 1.3 million students take up a student loan every year (House of Commons Library). When you finish your studies, you’ll only start paying back 9% once you start earning over a certain amount. If you stop earning, for whatever reason, then you stop paying back your student loan.
As a care leaver, you may be entitled to more funding, which you won’t need to pay back. Many universities offer bursaries and scholarships that are only available to care leavers. You could also be eligible to apply for a grant/bursary for students who are in financial difficulty. It’s a good idea to do some searching on the university websites to see what additional support they have available. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to apply, always give the university a call or email.
Depending if you’re living in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may also be able to receive additional funds from your local authority. In England, if you’re starting university for the first time before your 25th birthday, you should be entitled to a one-off Higher Education Bursary of at least £2,000.
Where will I live if I go to university?
In most cases, first year students are offered accommodation (sometimes off-campus, depending on what accommodation the university owns) where students will have their own room, but will have to share a kitchen and in some cases, bathrooms. It’s normally the case for second and third year students to find privately rented accommodation. You’ll be responsible for paying bills, like gas and electric, but if you find a house or flat share, the cost of these bills will be considerably less in comparison to living on your own.
If you’d prefer to stay in university halls of residence, then check out The Unite Foundation who offer scholarships in partnership with 28 universities which includes free university accommodation for the duration of your degree. Speak with the designated contact at the university who will be able to let you know the support they offer.
Alternatively, you can commute to university if you’d prefer not to live in university halls of residence. If you’re concerned about travel costs, the university might be able to support you with a student travel award or bursary.
But what about the holidays?
Some universities offer all-year accommodation so you can continue living there even during the holidays. However, if your university has term-time only accommodation, they might be able to support you in finding somewhere else to live during the holidays. Chat to them to check what support is available! If your term-time accommodation is not available, for English students, your local authority will help you find an alternative place to live, so make sure to get in touch with them with as much notice as possible so that they can support in planning for this.
Universities are there to support all students, regardless of background, to transition into university as smoothly as possible. If you have any questions or issues, do get in touch with them directly – they’ll be more than happy to assist in answering any of your concerns.