Going to university can be a daunting prospect and many prospective students will look to previous experiences or family for support in getting through new challenges. In many cases, a disrupted education or lack of family support may make the transition to university study a more intimidating experience for care leavers and estranged students.
Our dedicated CE/ES Adviser can guide you through the wide range of Support & Advice Services available, helping you make the most of life at university and your successful future career. In addition, students and applicants from Scotland may also be entitled to the Care Experienced Accommodation Grant through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), which can assist with paying for accommodation costs during the vacation period.
What are Care Experienced & Estranged Students eligible for?
- Inclusion in the university’s widening access programme – ACCESS RGU
- Inclusion within the university’s contextualised admissions process
- One to one pre-entry support throughout the application and admissions process
- Inclusion in the university’s contextualised admissions process and eligibility to apply to the Access RGU programme.
- A named contact to provide support and advice and to act as an advocate throughout the student journey
- Financial support to attend the university’s programme of open days, applicants’ days and selection visits as well as financial support pre- and post-entry including eligibility to apply for scholarships
- Entitlement to an enrolment support pack, including financial support for travel and study materials
- Access to a discretionary fund for one-off and unforeseen issues
- Guaranteed 365-day accommodation in university managed halls of residence with no requirement for a guarantor
- A discount on university halls of residence in the first year
- No requirement for a guarantor in university managed halls of residence
- A range of support offered through the university’s counselling service including appointments offered as long as is beneficial, drop in sessions and access to an online self-help resource offering cognitive behavioural therapy programmes
- Student-led peer support groups, to encourage discussion around wellbeing and mental health
- Provision of information on external low cost or free counselling support where additional support would be beneficial
In addition, Care Experienced students and applicants from Scotland may also be entitled to the Care Leavers Grant through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), which can assist with paying for accommodation costs during the vacation period.
Care Experience Guarantee
If as a care experienced applicant you meet our advertised minimum entry requirements, RGU is happy to guarantee you a place on your chosen course, subject to course availability. *
*Some courses may have additional requirements that must be met such as successful interview or portfolio review
Corporate Parenting Plan
The university's Corporate Parenting Plan sets out our commitment to developing and implementing our ambition for care experienced students.
Stand Alone Pledge
The university's Stand Alone Pledge sets out our commitment to developing and implementing our ambition for Estranged students.
Meet your CE/ES advisor
My name is Connor Anderson and I am the widening access project officer at RGU, also holding the role of the Care Leaver/Estranged Students advisor for the university. I have worked in the university for almost 10 years in various support departments and have a wealth of experience in supporting students in the various challenges they may face when attending university. I am here to support your transition to university and assist you with any concerns or enquiries you may have throughout your academic journey. If I cannot support you directly I will work alongside any student in order to connect them with the correct support service, supporting the specific needs of the student.
How to get in touch
Email me directly at c.anderson7@rgu.ac.uk or you can arrange an appointment by emailing access@rgu.ac.uk, they will then organise a online or telephone appointment.
Get in touch
Contact us to discuss your support needs further: