University can feel exciting but also overwhelming, especially if you are care-experienced, estranged, or bringing your own unique networks and experiences into higher education. At Edge Hill, we recognise that your journey to higher education may have been different, and we want to make sure you know about the support, opportunities, and community waiting for you here.
This guide has been designed with students, for students. It is full of practical advice, links to services, and messages from others who have been or are in your position. Think of it as your one-stop resource for navigating life at Edge Hill – from finding accommodation, to funding your studies, to making friends and planning your career.
Meet Leo
Hi, I’m Leo Nicholas, and I had the privilege of leading the first stages of developing this digital guide during my final year at Edge Hill University.
As a care-experienced student, I know first-hand how important it is to have the right support and guidance when starting university. My role was to bring students together in focus groups, listen to their experiences, and capture their voices so that this guide reflects the real needs and hopes of those it is designed for.
This project has been about more than just creating a guide, it’s about recognition, belonging, and confidence. I wanted to make sure future students know that they are not alone, that support is available, and that they can achieve more than they think.
Although my part in the project has come to an end, my hope is that this guide continues to grow and serve as a trusted companion for care-experienced and estranged students at Edge Hill, now and in the years to come.
On this page
Researching and Applying to University
Getting Started at Edge Hill
Accommodation
Institutional financial support
Jobs and Opportunities
Health and Wellbeing
Academic Skills and Support
Careers and Employability
Community and Belonging
External Organisations and Networks
Researching and Applying to University
Applying to university can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, planning, and guidance, you can make informed decisions and find the right course for you.
Explore Your Options
Choose a course and study mode that suits your interests and commitments. Use the UCAS website to check out the universities and courses available to you and if you’re not sure what you want to do, check out UCAS’ careers quiz.
Universities may also run outreach activities that you can get involved in to help you find out more about Higher Education. Additionally, consider visiting on university Open Days where you can explore the campus and speak to academic and support staff about life as a University student.
If you don’t think you have the necessary entry qualifications or results for a university course that you are interested in, you might want to consider:
An alternative routes into Higher Education such as Edge Hill’s free, six week Fastrack programme
Seeing if you qualify for a reduced (contextual) offer on your application in recognition of your lived experience, which can mean that your entry requirements will be reduced.
Support
Universities will often have dedicated support offers for students with experience of care or familial estrangement which include bursaries or grants, hardship funds, all year-round accommodation and dedicated points of contact pre-entry and once on-course. Check out the Propel website to look at different institutional offers and find contact details of university support teams.
At Edge Hill, the Widening Access and Student Success Team are the dedicated pre-entry point of contact for students with experience of care or estrangement and can support you with your research and university application. As well as contacting them via email, the team are also present at University Open Days where you can chat to them about the support on offer to you.
Applications
When applying to Higher Education (HE), you will need to answer three personal statement questions as part of your UCAS application. This is your opportunity to explain what motivates you to study and to highlight the skills and experiences that will help you succeed on your course. The journey you’ve taken may have developed qualities such as resilience, independence, and determination. These are powerful strengths that can make you stand out.
Make sure to also identify your experience of care or estrangement in the Diversity and More About You sections of your UCAS form. Declaring this information won’t disadvantage your application. It is only used by universities to let you know about any support offers that they have available to you.
After you have submitted your university application, you can apply for Student Finance (usually from around the start of March). You can apply for Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans via the Student Finance website.
For students with experience of care or familial estrangement, you can apply as an ‘independent student’. This will mean that you are generally eligible for the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan available for living costs and will not need to supply any financial information as part of your application. You will need to supply evidence of your lived experience from a relevant professional, and this will usually be either of the following:
For students with experience of care: an official letter from your Local Authority that identifies that you have been looked after by them, the dates you have been in care, and that they you will not be returning to the care of your parents before starting your course.
For estranged students: a letter or confirmation of estrangement form from a professional which confirms the permanent breakdown in your relationship with your parents and your lack of contact with them.
Tip
When making your Student Finance application, you can also apply for other forms of funding including Disabled Students Allowance, and bursaries and grants which support students who have parental or caring responsibilities. These will require you to provide further information and undergo assessments, so we would recommend that you start the application process as soon as you can.
I was quite surprised about how Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) supports you with your disability. I got a new chair, new laptop, a new printer, a new leg chair…. I had it as a phone conversation and it was basically just to check your needs.
Getting Started at Edge Hill
Getting started at Edge Hill is all about helping you settle in during those first few weeks, find your feet, and feel comfortable navigating uni life as it all begins.
Your First Weeks
The first few weeks are about settling in – attending Welcome Week, getting to know your course, meeting your Personal Tutor, and exploring campus.
This is also the perfect time to connect with the Student Support Team, who are the dedicated on-course team for students with experience of care or familial estrangement whilst at Edge Hill and can guide you through any difficulties you may have. The team reach out to students at the start of term, but you can always contact them before this to get to know them nice and early!
Induction
You will be provided with an Induction Week timetable which provides all the information you need during your first week, including where you need to be and when. There are a range of activities planned for you, including sessions where you will meet your academic department staff, overviews of student support, and activities designed to help you get to know people you’ll be studying with. It’s a lot of information, but it will set you up for success at Edge Hill!
As well as your timetable sessions, check out the Catalyst Induction Toolkit resource which is a one-stop shop for all of the support you can access at Edge Hill.
Assigned to every student, they are your go-to for course advice, extensions, academic guidance and signposting to support services.
You should have a named Personal Tutor by the end of the first week after starting at University and have received an email from them within one week of fully enrolling with contact details; office whereabouts; email and phone number. Building a good relationship early on will help you throughout your studies, so engage early and make sure you make the most of your meetings.
Tip
Consider going to each of your meetings with a focus that you want to discuss with your tutor. This could be course related or could be any questions, queries or concerns you have regarding any aspects of your course or student life. They are there to help as much as possible.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is a set of events and activities held at the start of term to help new (and returning) students settle in, get to know the university, meet people, understand what support is available, and generally kick off university life!
A key part of the week is the Students’ Union Freshers Fair which is your one-stop shop for everything student life. You can grab freebies from local and national brands, meet societies, and find out how to get involved in campus activities. Whether you’re into sport, nightlife, culture, or something completely different, there’s a society for you.
Tip
Make sure you explore all of the societies and clubs that are available at the fair, you might find something that you didn’t expect and discover your new hobby. Societies will also often run their own welcome event following the fair. Why not drop-in, give it a try and see if it is your thing!
“I would recommend attending social events in the first few weeks to meet new people – even if you don’t drink or are apprehensive about social events, there will still be quieter events like quizzes for you to meet like-minded people.”
Ffion Evans, BSc Hons. Psychology.
Leo’s experience
Sometimes you don’t always know the support you are looking for, that’s why this guide is here for you
I was quite surprised about how Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) supports you with your disability. I got a new chair, new laptop, a new printer, a new leg chair…. I had it as a phone conversation and it was basically just to check your needs.
Accommodation
We’re very proud of our accommodation at Edge Hill and we have a variety of halls of residence on our Ormskirk campus which vary in terms of amenities and cost. You can check out the different halls on our accommodation pages, take a virtual tour of their rooms and use our comparison tool to see what each offer side by side to find the one that is right for you.
Year-round accommodation
We want to ensure that our students with experience of care or estrangement have stable, long‑term accommodation to avoid gaps or periods without housing whilst studying at Edge Hill, and you can request to live on campus for 365 days a year for all of your degree, if you wish. You can also request to move‑in early into halls (up to 2 days before) especially if you are leaving care or have been living in independent accommodation and you need to move in before the university’s designated moving in days on Welcome Weekend.
If you make Edge Hill your firm choice on your UCAS application, you are guaranteed a room on campus. When you apply for accommodation with us, you will be provided with a link to our online accommodation portal where you will be able to self-select your room.
As part of the process, you will be asked to identify if you have any additional needs or considerations that the Accommodation team should take into account. Make sure you identify your lived experience within your application.
A £150 Advanced Residence Fee is payable when you book your room via the portal. If you are unable to pay this at the time of booking, you can apply for an extension of up to two months. This is subject to engagement with the Widening Access and Student Success (WASS) team, who will need to verify your lived experience.
If you are being supported by a Local Authority and they are contributing to your accommodation costs as part of their Local Offer, please signpost them to the Widening Access and Student Success Team if they have any questions, or direct to the Halls Fees team to arrange payment.
Moving in
Most students moving into on-campus accommodation arrive during the University’s Welcome Weekend in the last weekend of September. If arriving up to two days earlier would help with your transition, this can be arranged. Please get in touch with the Widening Access and Student Success team or the Accommodation Team directly. If you need to move in earlier than this, we will help to signpost you to private accommodation options nearby.
When you move into your room, you will receive a welcome pack to help you settle in and to welcome you to the Edge Hill community. Keep an eye out for it when you move in!
Once you have moved onto campus, and if you are planning to stay on campus all year round, the Accommodation team (supported by the Student Support Team) will arrange a summer contract with you, usually around the Easter period. The current weekly cost* of summer accommodation (*for 2025-26) is an average of £153 per week. You may be required to move to another room on campus, but the Accommodation team will talk this through with you at the time.
Second- and third-year accommodation and living off site
In addition to our general accommodation, we also have specific on-campus halls of residence which are designed for second year and third year students. As a student with experience of care or estrangement, you will be prioritised for these rooms if you choose to apply for them in your second and third years of study. Look out for an email around the third week of October, when the Accommodation team start taking applications for these halls.
If you don’t wish to live on-campus, our Accommodation team can support you in finding somewhere to live off site in Ormskirk and the surrounding area. The university uses StudentPad as a platform to link students with local landlords, and this goes live in early January each year.
Studying at our St James campus in Manchester? Check out the St James guide for support in finding private accommodation.
As well as the Accommodation team, the Student Union also regularly provides advice and guidance to students about accommodation, particularly when arranging it off site. The SU’s Advice Team can also support you with any guidance or assistance you may need if you have any concerns about accommodation that you are using during your studies.
Graduation and after
We know that finishing university and moving into full independent living can be quite daunting. During your final year, the Student Support Team will contact you to establish if you would like to extend your accommodation contract by two weeks after the graduation period. If this is something you would like to take up, let the Student Support Team know and they will then arrange this with the Accommodation Team.
If you have already moved into private accommodation following the end of your final year but will be travelling to campus for your Graduation ceremony, you can access one night’s accommodation for free for you and up to two guests in one of our halls of residence on campus. If you would like to arrange this, contact the Graduation Ceremonies Team for more information.
Facilities
There are three self-service laundry rooms on campus, located at each side of Main Building and one at the bottom of Central Halls; with washers and dryers you can pay for and control through an app. You can even check which machines are free and get a notification when your wash is done!
Commuting to Edge Hill University is a common choice for many students, and the campus is well connected by public transport and road links. Ormskirk train and bus station has regular services to both Liverpool and Preston (with connecting services to further afield) and is also served by frequent bus routes to the surrounding areas. We also have our own free bus service, the EdgeLink, to take you between campus and Ormskirk town centre, if you don’t fancy the 15-minute walk down St Helens Road!
If you are travelling by car, free on‑campus parking is available, though a permit is required and is subject to eligibility. Planning your journey in advance and allowing extra time during busy periods can help make commuting more manageable and reduce stress. We also have the Bicycle Locker Users’ Club (BLUC), if you are travelling by two wheels to campus.
We know that commuting may be influenced by personal, financial, or housing circumstances. Support is available to help you navigate commuting alongside your studies, including advice on travel options and access to wider student support services. If commuting presents challenges for you, the Widening Access and Student Success team (pre-entry) or Student Support Team (on-course) can offer guidance and help explore practical solutions to support your transition and ongoing engagement with university life.
Institutional financial support
Edge Hill has financial support that’s genuinely here to take some of the pressure off, so you can focus on your course and get on with uni life without extra stress.
Overview of institutional support
As well as any funding you may be receiving through Student Finance, you may also be able to access additional funding and support from the University, including:
Up to £1,000 per year bursary for eligible care leavers (for up to 3 years). Once you are on-course and at the start of the academic year, the Student Support Team will contact you if you are eligible. The team will then let you know when the portal for the bursary application is open and can help you with any other guidance you may need to apply.
Eligibility for the Thrive Fund to support you to take up employability related opportunities whilst on course, with support of up to £2000.
Scholarships which reward you for academic excellence, success outside of your studies, overcoming adversity, and supporting others.
Access to MUNNY, the financial wellbeing platform to support you with accessible, practical support around financial wellbeing and legal difficulties.
A financial summer support package to help you with expenses over the summer break period.
A graduation support package which includes free gown and cap hire, a free photography package, free access to one night’s accommodation for you and up to two guests on campus, and financial support with travel costs, if needed.
The Money Advice Team can help you manage your finances and make the most of available support. The team can provide guidance on budgeting, student funding, bursaries, grants, and benefits, as well as help with any financial challenges you may face during your studies. The team offers confidential advice and practical support to ensure you feel confident and informed about your money.
Edge Hill University is dedicated to supporting care-experienced and estranged students in securing meaningful employment and gaining valuable experience during your studies. Below is an overview of the key opportunities and support available to help you succeed.
Working on Campus
There are various on-campus jobs which can fit around your studies, providing a convenient way to earn money while gaining skills. Popular roles include being a Student Guide, where you’ll represent the university at events and help new students feel welcome. As a student with experience of care or estrangement, you also have a guaranteed interview for this role as well. For more information about the role and when to apply (usually September and early October each year).
You could also apply to be a Campus Connector in the Student Life team (often colloquially known as the Purple Hoodies!) who support campus activities and help develop student community engagement. These roles not only offer flexible hours but also enhance your CV with real-world experience.
As well as on-campus opportunities, you can also check out the Careers vacancy portal throughout the year to find other part-time roles both on and off campus which may be suitable for you.
Paid Placements, Internships and Thrive Fund
In addition to your academic studies, there is a lot of support available to you to develop your employability skills whilst you are studying at Edge Hill. You may want to consider taking up paid placements and internships, both on and off-campus, which provide hands-on experience in your field of study. These opportunities can significantly boost your employability after graduation and the Careers Team can help you access these opportunities whilst continuing to provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Additionally, the Thrive Fund is available to support care-experienced and estranged students financially, in order to help you access work-related experiences or cover costs associated with placements. You can apply for up to £1000 for UK based projects or up to £2000 for overseas projects.
For personalized advice, support with applications, or to learn more about available jobs and placements, reach out to the Edge Hill Careers Team. They can offer you exclusive ‘Get Ahead’ appointments, as well as workshops, one-to-one guidance, and can help you navigate your career journey from the moment you arrive on campus.
Remember, the Careers Team is here to support you throughout your university journey and beyond. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the resources available to you.
University life can be exciting but also challenging at times. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, need someone to talk to, or just want a bit of extra support, there are people and services at Edge Hill who are here for you.
Therapy and Counselling
Edge Hill offers free and confidential counselling and therapy sessions through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. These sessions are a chance to talk about anything that’s on your mind, big or small.
You’ll usually be offered a set number of sessions (maximum of 6) and if you would benefit from ongoing or specialist help, they can point you in the right direction for support within the NHS or local community.
Want something a little more informal? You could spend some time with our regular visitors and honorary dogtorates, therapy dogs Paddy, Ralphie and Clover! The fantastic fluffy team regularly visit campus to offer cuddle time to students and you can find out when and where their sessions are running via the Student Life portal.
Engaging with support
You can book a 30-minute appointment which gives you the chance to talk through any issues or concerns you may have with a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. It’s a supportive conversation to understand how your mental health is currently affecting you. After the appointment, the practitioner will create a personalised action plan that outlines the next steps and the kind of support that would be most helpful for you. You don’t need to be in crisis, sometimes it just helps to talk things through.
Crisis Helplines
If things ever feel too much, you don’t have to face it alone. There’s always someone you can reach out to:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) to talk to someone who will listen.
Shout: Text 85258 for free, confidential text support from trained volunteers.
Physical Health
Taking care of your physical health can make a big difference to how you feel day to day. If you need medical support while you’re studying, you can register with a local GP (such as Beacon Primary Care) once you have a term time address.
The Social Prescribing team also run lots of activities to help you stay active, meet new people, and boost your wellbeing. These include things like wellbeing walks and outdoor activities to help you unwind and connect with nature. You don’t need to be sporty or experienced. It’s all about having fun, feeling good, and finding what works for you.
Edge Well 24/7
The Edge Well 24/7 service offers confidential and free support to help students navigate a range of personal, emotional and practical challenges and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year via phone, live chat, email or video call. Edge Well also offers Lived Experience Matching where you can ask to speak with someone who shares or understands your background.
The Wellbeing Team are really approachable and used to supporting students from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. You can contact them any time if you’d like to talk, ask for advice, or find out what support might suit you best.
You can engage with the team at any point during your studies, especially if you have previously received support and would like to re-engage.
Academic Skills and Support
Studying at university can feel like a big change, especially if you haven’t always had consistent academic support or someone to turn to for help. At Edge Hill, there’s a whole team of people who can guide you, build your confidence, and help you get the most out of your studies. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Support is there for you every step of the way.
Inclusion and Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) teams
If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health need, or a specific learning difference (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD), support is available to help you make the most of university life.
You don’t need a diagnosis or an EHCP to get started. Just contact the Inclusion Team or SpLD Team. They can discuss your situation, advise on any evidence needed, and suggest helpful adjustments or support.
This may include a Student Support Plan, extra exam time, specialist equipment, one-to-one study support, and guidance on applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Library and Study Resources
The library, located in the Catalyst, is a welcoming space to study, find resources, and get help when you need it. You’ll find quiet and group study zones, laptops you can borrow with your student ID card and 24/7 access during term time.
Use DiscoverMore to explore books, e-books, and journals online and if you’re not sure where to start, the friendly staff at the helpdesks on the ground floor are always happy to show you.
Extensions and Mitigating Circumstances
Sometimes things happen that can make it hard to meet a deadline, and that’s completely understandable. If you experience illness, personal difficulties, or anything else that affects your studies, you can apply for an extension or mitigating circumstances.
Your Personal Tutor is the best person to talk to first. They can explain the process, help you apply, and make sure you get the support you need. Asking for help won’t affect your grades. These systems are in place to make sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Careers and Employability
Thinking about your future can feel exciting but also a bit daunting, especially if you’re figuring things out on your own. At Edge Hill, you don’t have to do it alone. The Careers and Employability Team are here to help you explore your options, gain experience, and take confident steps towards your goals. Whether it’s a graduate job, further study, or something completely new.
Dedicated Careers Advisers
Our dedicated Careers Advisers can offer you ‘Get Ahead’ appointments in order to offer you personalised, one-to-one support. You can also speak to a Careers Adviser linked to your subject area or faculty, who can help you find opportunities and career paths that match your interests. They can support you with everything from career planning and job searching to interview preparation and applications.
How to Book a Specialist Appointment
You can book an appointment with a Careers Advisor easily through the student portal, or you can drop in to Careers Corner in the Catalyst during weekdays for an impromptu chat if you prefer.
Study Abroad and the Turing Scheme
If you’ve ever thought about studying or working abroad, Edge Hill offers opportunities through the Turing Scheme. This scheme provides funding and support for international placements, particularly for students with experience of care or estrangement.
Applications for study abroad usually open in early October for the following academic year and you can find out more information on the Study Abroad webpages.
The Careers Team can help you prepare for life after graduation, including applying for graduate schemes, postgraduate study, or volunteering opportunities. They can review your CV, support your application writing, and even run mock interviews to help you feel ready and confident.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in your first year or your final semester, it’s never too early (or too late) to start planning your next steps.
Targeted Opportunities
Edge Hill is a signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant, a national initiative that helps care-experienced young people access additional opportunities, support, and resources as they move into adult life. Through the Covenant app and website, you can find exclusive job placements, mentoring schemes, internships, and discounts designed to help you thrive beyond university.
It advertises specialist opportunities like the Civil Service Care Leaver Internship Programme, which offers paid work experience and training within government departments. These placements are designed to build your skills, confidence, and professional network and can be a great stepping stone into graduate-level careers.
Community and Belonging
Feeling part of a community can make a real difference to your time at university. At Edge Hill, we want every student with experience of care or estrangement to feel connected, supported, and valued. There are lots of ways to get involved, meet others, and find your place here.
SU Societies and Teams
Joining a society or sports team is a great way to meet new people and explore your interests outside of your course. The Students’ Union has over 70 student-led groups, covering everything from wellbeing and activism to specific lived experiences (including CEES+ and Mature Students societies). If you don’t see a society that reflects your interests or background, you can even start your own with SU support.
The Student Support Team hosts regular drop-ins and relaxed events for care-experienced and estranged students throughout the year. These are friendly, informal spaces to meet others, chat with staff, and take a break from studies. Look out for invites and event details via your student email.
The Student Life team also run free commuter breakfasts, games cafes, Learn2Cook sessions and craft lounges on campus and trips off-campus, in which you can get connected, try new activities and meet a variety of people as well. Check out what’s on offer via your Student Life portal.
Faith and Community
Our Faith and Community Team offer a welcoming space for reflection, conversation, and support. They’re here to listen, provide pastoral care, and help you explore questions of faith and spirituality. Whatever your beliefs or background (and you don’t need to follow a faith to seek support), you’ll find an inclusive community and support for your personal or faith journey.
Belonging isn’t just about being here, it’s about feeling at home. Students tell us that connecting with others who share similar experiences helps build confidence, motivation, and wellbeing.
“You’re not alone – the University is your family.“
Alice Logan, MEng Hons. Electronic Engineering.
Leo’s experience
University is not just about studying – it’s about finding your place, building your future, and feeling that you belong. You are not alone in this journey.
External Organisations and Networks
Support for care-experienced and estranged students goes far beyond campus. There are national and local organisations, online networks, and communities that can help you access opportunities, connect with others, and find support during your studies and beyond.
All of Us is a UK‑wide community created by and for estranged and care‑experienced students, offering connection, belonging and support both online and in person. Operated by the Unite Foundation, it brings students together to find friends who ‘get it’, access resources, join meet‑ups in person or online, and build a positive, inclusive space where everyone is an equal member.
NNECL is a national charity dedicated to transforming the educational outcomes of young people with experience of being in care. They work with educational institution and organisations to develop support provision across the UK. They also run a Student Voice Network (SVN) for care experienced and estranged students to connect, share ideas, and help shape the work that they do.
The Care Leaver Covenant works with employers, universities, and local authorities to create real opportunities for care leavers across different sectors, from graduate employment and mentoring to discounted services and skills workshops.
You can also explore support from local charities and youth organisations that work with care-experienced and estranged students in your area.
The REES Foundation provides lifelong support, advice, and practical help to care-experienced people of any age, including online “Let’s Connect” and “Uni:fy” sessions.
The EaCES Handbook (Estranged and Care-Experienced Students) is a national online resource created by students, for students. It brings together practical advice, personal stories, and links to support on everything from finances and housing to wellbeing and university life.
However your journey to university has looked, you belong here. At Edge Hill, we’re proud to support care-experienced and estranged students every step of the way, from your first enquiry to graduation and beyond.
Get in touch
If you ever need advice, reassurance, or a listening ear, your dedicated contacts are here for you:
No question is too small, whether you need help with finances, wellbeing, accommodation, or planning ahead.
Looking Ahead
Your journey doesn’t end here. Take advantage of opportunities to grow, connect, and shape change:
Join the Student Advisory Panel to share your experiences or apply to become a Student Guide to represent your lived experience as an ambassador for the university.
