Estranged Students

Being “estranged” means that you may have permanently lost contact with your relatives due to a number of possible reasons. To be considered irreconcilably estranged from your parents, you won’t have had any written or verbal contact with either parent and this is unlikely to change. This is usually, for a period of at least twelve months, but we will consider all cases. 

If you are 25 or under, a home student and are irreconcilably estranged from your family then the University may identify you as an Estranged Student.

If you have received support from your Local Authority, at some point, then you may be eligible for the Care Experienced Support Package instead. Information on this package can be found on the Care Experienced Student page. 

The University of Chester recognises that those who are estranged from their families may find the transition to university challenging and therefore has developed a support package to help estranged undergraduate students make the most out of their time at the University. This support package includes:

• A link member of staff acting as an academic liaison and support with assessment extensions, if suitable.
• Providing help to access the various services offered by the University and key members of staff within certain departments.
• Access to support from the Careers and Employability team.
• Access to a peer mentor who can help with any pre-arrival queries that you may have.
• A link member of staff to talk to if there is any personal, financial or academic issue you have concerns about.
• Help to secure 365 days a year University accommodation for the duration of your course.
• A 50% discount on University owned accommodation options throughout your studies as part of the Undergraduate Bursary Scheme.
• Easy access to financial help and guidance, including the Undergraduate Bursary Scheme T&Cs for students commencing programmes (2023-24 only) and the Student Support Fund.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this in further detail, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing studentservices@chester.ac.uk

We also offer bespoke visits for any Estranged Students who have made an application to the University of Chester or are considering Chester as a place to study. During this visit, we can discuss the support that is available to students, have a campus tour and arrange to meet with the relevant academic departments also. If you would like to arrange this visit then please get in touch by emailing studentservices@chester.ac.uk.

The University of Chester is a signatory of the Stand Alone Pledge, you can find out more at their webpage the Stand Alone Pledge.