Student Carers
The Students' Union is constantly working hard to keep you engaged during your studies at Cardiff University. We are here to represent and support you on all matters that may surface during your time here as a student and we are constantly looking for more ways to better enhance your university experience.
We know that some students may not regard themselves as being a carer or recognize that they may have caring duties. The University recognises student carers as students who care (unpaid) for a family member/friend/relative with an illness or disability, mental health condition or an addiction.
A caring role can vary significantly but will include the following (according to Cardiff University):
- practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping
- physical care, such as helping someone out of bed
- personal care, such as helping someone dress
- helping someone to give their medication
- managing the family budget
- managing prescriptions and medication
- helping someone communicate
- looking after brothers and sisters
- providing emotional support.
University Life as a Student Carer
We understand the amount of stress, workload, different commitments, priorities and responsibilities that may be associated with caring duties or being a carer and we are here to support as much as we can. Our Advice Team is accessible to all students and can offer expert legal support on general issues, academics, housing, work/life balance and guidance on any information you may need to help you thrive as student and a student carer.
Community
Cardiff University has got a diverse community of students from different parts of the world and ethnicities. There are lots of ways to meet other student carers/students, form meaningful friendships and build healthy relationships with like-minded individuals who may share similar interests as you.
You can find connections through the Cardiff University Global Community Platform, join the Students' Union Carers and Parents Association Facebook group and sign up to become a member of the Carers and Parents Association. You can also access our student groups, Student Led Services or volunteer with Cardiff Volunteering.
Financial Support
There is some expectation that you will supplement your finances with savings/part-time work/financial support from family when studying at University. This expectation would mostly fit if you are an undergraduate student, however as a postgraduate student carer and most specifically an international postgraduate student carer, you may be faced with way more responsibilities than could be covered by the books. It is important that you learn time and money management, as you would have realized both are valuable currencies of students. If you need help or would like more advice on how to manage your finances, get in contact with the Advice and Money team or view Student Advice's web page on money here.
If you have already told the University that you are a care leaver/estranged from your family, or you are a carer, you should receive a top-up bursary of £350 if you have not already received one on the basis of your household income assessment as stated above. If you think that you may belong to one of these groups, after having read the definitions above, please email studentfundingandadvice@cardiff.ac.uk to discuss your options further. The covid19 student support funding is applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate students. For more details on the University’s covid19 fundings, click here.
If you require advice or information on how being a parent will affect your studies, you can contact the Students' Union Advice Team and Advice and Money Team to discuss options such as reporting extenuating circumstances or even applying for an interruption of study. If you seek help in finding childcare or locating a school if you are moving to the area, the team can also provide support and signpost you to other services and organisations.
Academic/Well-Being Support and Representation
Having a full time study and a full time caring responsibilities can be hard to juggle sometimes and it is important to take care of yourself; your wellbeing and your mental health.
The Students’ Union Elected Officers are all available to help and support you. We are always available for a virtual meet/a chat/a socially distanced meet if that’s what you think would be useful to you. Our office is on the 3rd floor of the SU Building (located at Park Place) and our contact details are as follows:
Get to know your personal tutors or supervisors. Build and maintain a mature, open and honest relationship with them and get them informed as much as you can on your academic or research progression. They are always professional and more than happy to help.
Find out the academic reps for your school and course. They serve as the feedback link between you, your school and us (your union). They are the voice of your school and cohort. You can read more about them and find out who they are here.
Self Declaration
If you have not yet disclosed that you are a student carer, please get in touch with Gareth Davies to organise any support you may need. If you are a Postgraduate Student or a Mature Undergraduate above the age of 25, there is also available support for you. Get in touch with Amy Close if you need work/study adjustments or general advice or call +44 (0)2920874844.
Widening Participation
The University runs a programme called the Step-up Scheme which is aimed towards raising aspirations, attainment and providing support for highschool pupils from disadvantaged areas of the country to be able to continue their studies post 16. You are a likely eligible candidate if you are from south east wales and in year 12.
Dedicated Contacts
Carers are often used to juggling many commitments, however it can be helpful to consider as early as possible the options you may have to make your time at university just that bit easier to manage alongside a caring role. The University Student Support offers support on most aspects of balancing a caring role with studying, through a dedicated member of staff who can act as a mentor to support you.
You are welcome to discuss any student issues with a dedicated Student Support Adviser for student carers to help prepare for your course. Issues such as needing help to apply for a student funding, timetabling, organising any work/life/study balance, exams and course work schedules, housing, etc.
Bursary for Young Carers
The Student Carers Bursary is there to provide you with financial support, as having caring duties may sometimes incur extra financial burdens and challenges and we want to do better to support you and manage your caring responsibilities with your studies. Information on access to this bursary could be found here. You can access up to £3000 over the duration of your course.
Work Experience and Skills Development
The University works in partnership with the Go Wales: Achieve through Work Experience programme that is part-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government. This is a programme made for all young carers under the age of 25, on full-time course and have got caring responsibilities. If you need to contact the team, send them an email at gowales@cardiff.ac.uk.
The Students’ Union Jobshop is a free student employment service which aims to find paid work for all registered Cardiff University students. They offer a wide variety of paid opportunities on and around campus and the city centre, of which you can perfectly fit around your studies and caring duties. You don’t need to have previous work experience for many of these job vacancies, just enough enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
The Students’ Union Skills Development Service is there to provide you with personal and leadership development courses designed to improve transferable skills, build your confidence and help you gain positive attitudes for increased employability.
Join the Student Association for Carers and Parents
The Students’ Union is organising a Student Association for Student Carers and Student Parents, which is run by a fellow student. If you would like to know more about the association, please contact Janet Williams.
Housing
Cardiff Students Union owns and operates a student letting service, Cardiff Student Letting, that is committed to ensuring you can find suitable houses with reputable landlords for you and your family. Cardiff Student Letting is located at the ground floor of the SU building. You can register with the service anytime if you need first-hand updates on good houses and locations. You can contact Cardiff Student Letting at cardiffstudentletting@cardiff.ac.uk.
Further Information, Resources and Support
Useful Contacts