National Care Leavers month in November

At Newcastle University, we deem care-experience as any length of time spent in the care system in a student’s lifetime. This could include any of the following experiences:​

• Living with foster carers​
• Living in a residential children's home​
• Being looked after at home under a supervision order​
• Living with friends or relatives in kinship care – either through a formal arrangement (e.g. a Special Guardianship order) or an informal arrangement without local authority support

Our offer of support and how students can access it:

Financial Support

Students who have experience of care are eligible to receive a total scholarship of £3000 per year, comprised of the Opportunity Scholarship and the Summer Support Bursary. The Opportunity Scholarship provides £2000 per year of study and is paid in three equal instalments throughout the year, with the Summer Support Bursary providing an additional£1000 to assist with living costs over the summer break.

The Student Wellbeing Advisor (SWA)

• Students have access to a point of contact (SWA) and can access more frequent check-ins if needed, at any stage of their studies.
• SWA’s can liaise with other university departments e.g. Accommodation Team and external partners e.g. Local Authority, Health Services.
• SWA’s can support students with completing forms in relation to Student Finance England.

Accommodation

Our ResLife Team offer moving in support and a meet and greet service on arrival to your University accommodation site. The Team also host regular social activities throughout the year and during vacation periods. University accommodation is available for first year students, and year-round contracts are available covering all university vacation periods. From second year onwards, we will support students to find accommodation in the private sector.

If required, students can access early accommodation arrival at start of first term. The team are also able to offer free summer storage of your belongings at the end of your first year.

NUSU

Eligible students are offered early access to Newcastle University Students Union (NUSU) Activities Access fund. This fund aims to remove financial barriers for students to access activities by helping cover some of the costs of getting involved. Successful eligible students can receive up to £400 per academic year.