Rachel Farmer (Exeter Campuses)
Welfare Consultant – Widening Participation
Alex Lewis (Cornwall Campuses)
Education Welfare Manager
Students with caring responsibilities
Who is a student carer?
The University follows the same definition as The Carers Trust who defines a carer as anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
As a carer, coming to university may present its own unique challenges, and can often involve balancing studies alongside travel home and additional caring responsibilities. However, you’re not alone. At the University of Exeter, we are committed to supporting student carers, and there is a range of information and advice available to help you.
If you are undergraduate student, the Exeter Cares team are here to support you across your student journey.
Personal Statements
The UCAS website has lots of advice and tips on how to write a successful personal statement, including bespoke advice for student carers.
Exeter Scholars (Yrs 10-13)
As a young carer, you may be eligible to be part of the Exeter Scholars programme. Becoming an Exeter Scholar can be achieved by completing one of four unique pathways that include a range of specific events and activities. This free programme gives you the opportunity to develop your knowledge about university, and experience what it is like to study a subject of your choice at university level.
Applying
Admissions
During our admissions processes we recognise the impact that being a carer can have on a student’s attainment and this may be taken into account when we are considering your application. This might mean that you are made an adjusted offer to that we publish as our typical offer. This is called a contextual offer. You can find out what your contextual offer would be via this checker
Where programmes have specific subject requirements, grade adjustments may not apply to those specific requirements. Further details can be found on our course pages.
Additional eligibility criteria for contextual offers can be found here.
If you have any further queries with regards to contextual offers, please contact the Admissions team.
Open Days/Offer Holder Visit Days
If you would like to meet up with a member of staff while attending an Open Day or Offer Holder Visit Day, we would welcome you getting in touch to arrange this in advance. Please contact Natalie Bracher to make arrangements by emailing exeter-cares@exeter.ac.uk . We will be more than happy to discuss any queries that you may have.
Transition Guide
The Charlie Waller Trust has produced the following Young Carers Transition to University Guide that you may find useful when transitioning to University.
We appreciate that you may have additional costs related to being a carer. If you are a full-time student with children or adult dependants you may qualify for extra financial help.
Undergraduate carers are able to apply for a Carers bursary. This bursary is not fixed, and will be dependent on your situation. You will need to be a registered student at the university to apply for the bursary. For further information, or to find out about any additional funding, please contact the Students’ Guild Advice Unit on advice@exeterguild.com.
Our advisers, on both the Exeter and Penryn campuses, can help you to develop personal learning strategies and discuss specific questions relating to your work. You can develop your skills as critical thinkers and writers, and learn new tips for success.
For further information, please visit:
- StudyZone website (Exeter)
- ASK: Academic Skills website (Penryn)
The University of Exeter also runs a Parents’ and Carers’ Network, which is an informal support system for all staff and postgraduate students.
Mitigating Circumstances
If you feel illness or other adverse personal circumstances may affect your ability to undertake an assessment you may be able to apply for an extension or a deferral through what the University calls the ‘Mitigation Process’. There is more information and guidance about the process on the Student Welfare site.
If you have any questions about this process please contact your HUB Info Point in the first instance. You can also get independent advice from the Students’ Guild (Streatham/St Luke’s) and FXU (Penryn/Truro) Advice Units.
The University of Exeter offers career and employability support and guidance throughout your time studying with us, with continued support after you graduate. The Career Zone offers a wide variety of programmes, including fully funded internships and mentoring schemes to support your entry into the work place. These programmes offer the flexibility to create your own internship, financially supported by the Career Zone.
For further information please see the Careers website, or contact:
Exeter Career Zone (Exeter campuses)
01392 724493
careers@exeter.ac.uk
Penryn Career Zone
01326 253735
cc-careers@exeter.ac.uk
If you would like more information, require support, or have any questions regarding how the university can support you, please do get in touch.
- For prospective UG students please contact the Exeter Cares Team at exeter-cares@exeter.ac.uk
- For current UG students please complete the self-referral carers form. After completing this form, you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss any support needs you may have, be offered advice, and can be signposted to relevant University staff.
Rachel Farmer (Exeter campuses)
Welfare Consultant – Widening Participation
Alex Lewis (Cornwall campuses)
Education Welfare Manager
The Students’ Guild Advice Unit and FXU’s Advice Service can also provide confidential and unbiased guidance with any academic or wellbeing issues that may arise. Contact them via email below.