Who we are
Starting university is an exciting time, but can also be challenging, particularly if you're studying without the support and approval of a family network. To help you settle in and make the most of your time here, we've created a bespoke package of support and guidance for you.
Our support for estranged students is provided by the Student Advice team and Anne McGrath, Carer Leaver and Estranged Adviser. They are here to provide confidential advice and assistance throughout your studies.
We're proud to have been awarded the Stand Alone Pledge logo for our commitment to estranged students, more details of which can be found on the Stand Alone website.
How we can help
How do we define an estranged student?
We define an estranged student as a young person, under the age of 25, who has been classified as an independent student on the grounds of estrangement by Student Finance England (SFE).
For more details on estrangement and how SFE assesses estrangement, download our Estrangement information sheet (PDF) below.
We're committed to supporting estranged students by:
- raising awareness of the needs of estranged students
- enabling estranged students to make the most of their time in higher education and to complete their course successfully
- helping higher education providers to identify how best to support estranged students through our commitment to the Stand Alone Pledge
Types of support
We offer a variety of support to estranged students and have provided details of the key support below.
Financial support
Our team of Student Advisers can help you claim your full funding entitlement and can also help you manage your money effectively.
For more details, including contact details, visit our Student Advice page.
Estranged Student Bursary
If you're under the age of 25 and have been classified as an independent student on the grounds of estrangement by Student Finance England, you may be eligible to apply for a University bursary of up to £1,200 per year.
To apply for the bursary, and to check whether you're eligible, please visit the link below. The deadline for applications is Friday 20 June 2025 at midnight.
Apply for the Estranged Student Bursary
Student accommodation
Year-round accommodation is offered in University halls of residence, including over the summer vacation, with a deposit waiver for students who have been assessed by SFE as estranged.
For more details, including contact details, visit our Student accommodation pages.
Accommodation scholarships
The University of Westminster is delighted to have a partnership with the Unite Foundation. Each year, Unite offers several full accommodation scholarships for Care Leavers and Estranged students to live in Unite Hall accommodation for the duration of their course.
Applications close on 14 June 2024 for the academic year 2024-25. An opportunity not to be missed!
For detailed information and guidance and also the online application form, please visit the Unite Foundation website
Employability support
If you need help finding work or exploring careers, get in touch with Janet Willoughby in our Careers and Employability Service.
Further support
Contact us
Contact us at the Student Centre
When emailing us, please make sure you include your Student ID number