Information about the support for estranged students.

Overview

An estranged student is someone who is not in contact with their parents. This is sometimes referred to as being ‘irreconcilably estranged from family’. However, there are other ways you may talk about your situation. You may say you are ‘not on speaking terms’ or you may feel that you have ‘been disowned by’, ‘fallen out with’ or ‘lost contact with’ family members.

We understand that not all students who do not have contact with their parents will identify as being ‘estranged’ and you may not wish to tell others, or the university, this information. This is absolutely fine and is your choice to make.

We also understand that there are many reasons why people become separated from family, that these reasons are personal to you, and that coming to university as an independent student might bring additional challenges, whether financial, practical or emotional.

University services

If you need support you can talk to your Student Support Adviser, they are here to help and advise you on managing your academic studies alongside day-to-day life.

Visit the Support at Hallam page for a full list of services. If you are not sure which service you need, contact Hallam Help, they are here to point you in the right direction and ensure your enquiry is sent to the right team.

Rent guarantor scheme

To be able to pay for rent in agreed instalments, most landlords require a suitable third person to act as a rent guarantor.

A rent guarantor is a third party, a family member for example, who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot. We understand that this is not always possible, especially for students who do not have family support.

If you have accepted a room in university allocated halls, can’t find a guarantor and can’t afford to pay your rent upfront, a guarantor insurance scheme is available to eligible students who are estranged from family.

For more information about the scheme, please email residentialsupport@shu.ac.uk.

If you are looking at private sector accommodation and are having issues finding a guarantor, other options may be available. For advice, please contact Accommodation Services and/or the Students Union Advice Centre.

Please take care not to enter into a legally binding tenancy agreement if you have not secured a suitable guarantor, as without one your rent may be expected in full before you are able to move into the property.

Financial support

Support from the university

The Student Success Scholarship is designed to help you succeed at Sheffield Hallam. As estranged students are a priority group, they are more liking to receive a higher award amount. For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the Student Success Scholarship page.

Visit our scholarships and bursaries page for information on the other financial support you may be able to apply for.

Support from Student Finance England

Normally maintenance loans are means-tested based on parental income. However, if you are irreconcilably estranged from your parents, you can apply as an independent student, this means that you will receive the maximum maintenance loan available. If you cannot apply for a means-tested loan based on parental income and if you do not apply as an independent student, you will receive the minimum maintenance loan available.

To apply as an estranged student, you will need to provide evidence. This can be a letter from someone that is aware of your situation and must be a social worker, doctor, teacher, solicitor, religious leader, counsellor or a ‘person of good standing in the community’. You can also complete a ‘Confirmation of Estrangement Form’ which will also need to be completed by third party. This must be ‘an independent person of good standing in the community’ who knows you and knows about your situation.

You can ask a member of university staff (such as your Academic Adviser, Student Support Adviser, or another member of support service staff) to complete a confirmation of estrangement form. However, they must know you and must know about your estrangement from your family, otherwise any statement they make about your circumstances may not be accepted by Student Finance England.

You can download the confirmation of estrangement form from your student finance account once you have submitted an application.

Visit the UCAS website for more information on financial support for estranged students. If you have questions about your loan application, contact Student Finance England.

External support

The EaCES Handbook is a platform by and for students who are estranged, as well as care-experienced and refugee students. They provide advice, information, and peer-support.

Need help

If you have any questions about the support available, please contact Hallam Help.