Support for care leavers

Are you looked after or have you been looked after by a local authority? If you’re in school and would like to find out more about university, we run events and activities that will give you a taste of what studying at Glamorgan is like. Our First Campus – Reaching Wider team runs everything from short workshops to week-long Summer Schools, where you can experience student life for yourself. For more information contact First Campus on 01443 482550.

Specialist help for care leavers

We can help you at every stage of your university experience, with specialist help and advice before, during and after you are a student with us – leaving you to concentrate on your studies and enjoy university life. Your social services team can let us know that you are a care leaver, or you can declare it on your UCAS application form.

As well as the support offered by social services in your local area, the University of Glamorgan also offers help with:

Applying to university
Finding financial support
Guaranteed accommodation for your first year
Child-care costs
Finding part-time work

If you’re offered a place at Glamorgan, and would like to discuss the financial support that’s available to you, our on-campus accommodation options, or any other aspect of university life please contact Student Services.

Before you start

Applying to University

When you’re applying to the University, we can help you to fill in your UCAS form. If you’re invited for an interview for your chosen course, we can give you top tips on what the interview might involve and how to prepare yourself for it.

Open days

Our Open Days are a great opportunity to see what studying at Glamorgan is really like. You can talk to staff and students, look around the campus and get a real feel for university life.

Financial assistance may be available from the Local Authorities to help with the cost of attending Open Days and interviews – you should enquire directly with your Aftercare or Leaving Care Team.

Finding financial support

Expert staff from our Student Money Service can help you apply for financial support from the government and tell you about any additional support that could be available to you. To speak to one of our advisers, call 01443 483778 or email: money@glam.ac.uk

The University’s Financial Contingency Fund treats care leavers as a priority group and could give you an additional grant to help with the cost of your studies. However, please note that this Fund is limited and you must apply at the earliest opportunity.

While you’re studying

Accommodation

We guarantee care leavers on-campus accommodation for the first year at university, including during the holidays. We’ll make sure that your accommodation suits your needs, especially if you’ve lived independently before becoming a student. If you’d prefer to live in a house away from the campus, we can also help you to find something suitable in the local area. For more information, visit our acommodation pages or call 01443 482044.

Managing your money

Making your student loans or scholarship payments last can be challenging, especially if you haven’t had to budget before. As well as helping you get financial support, our Student Money Service can also give you confidential, one-to-one advice on budgeting and making your money go further. Email money@glam.ac.uk or call 01443 482080 to arrange an appointment.

Finding part-time work

If you’re supporting yourself through your studies, a part-time job can give you that extra bit of financial security. Our Careers Service can help you find temporary and part-time work during term-time and holidays. If you want to give your CV that all-important boost, advisers can also help you find suitable work placements in an area of work that interests you.

Support services

Our Student Services include: Counselling, Mental Wellbeing, Disability and Dyslexia, Health Centre, Resident Tutors in Halls of Residence and a Chaplaincy. Specialist staff offer a professional and confidential service to help you with all aspects of studying and living at university.

Childcare

If you have children, the government offer grants to help with childcare costs. You can find information on the websites listed above (under ‘Finding Financial Support’). The University’s Financial Contingency Fund may also be able to help. Contact the Student Money Service on money@glam.ac.uk or 01443 483778.

After Glamorgan

Finding a job

Our Careers Service runs workshops and events to support your development, prepare you for the world of work and achieve your career goals. Advisers can help you while you’re studying, but you’ll also be entitled free, ongoing career planning and jobsearch support after you graduate. Full details are available from the careers website.

*This package has been designed for care leavers whose permanent residence is in the United Kingdom and who are ‘home’ students for fee purposes. It applies to care leavers under the age of 21. The support will continue for care leavers who are studying at the University of Glamorgan until they reach the age of 24.

Life at Glamorgan