When biomedical student Georgia went to university, she was excited but faced challenges due to her care experience. She shared her journey, highlighting that while applying was straightforward, real support was lacking. “After that, nothing adds up,” she said, emphasizing her struggle to find summer accommodation despite existing programs meant to help her.
Georgia is one of many. In England, over 83,000 children and young people are in care, yet only about 13% of care leavers reach higher education by age 19, compared to 46% of their peers. In Scotland, the numbers are even lower, with just 8% attending university.
Clare Bracey, interim CEO of the charity Become, pointed out that while some universities offer accommodation year-round, the support is inconsistent. Many care-experienced students face financial hurdles, such as securing a guarantor for private rentals. This often discourages them from even applying to universities.
A recent study showed that nearly half of care-experienced students struggle with mental health issues. Moreover, those who successfully enroll are 38% more likely to withdraw from their courses compared to their peers.
Georgia’s story illustrates these challenges. After her local authority agreed to cover her accommodation costs, delays in payments left her financially strained. She recalled having to navigate a frustrating “three-way argument” between the university, the local authority, and housing services.
The situation worsened during her second year when a private landlord evicted her for renovations. The local authority suggested she stay with her mother, but their relationship had become strained since the council had taken on the role of her guardian. “It just didn’t go well,” Georgia remarked.
While some universities do provide year-round accommodation, care-experienced students often find themselves in situations that can feel isolating. Bracey noted that these students are frequently housed with first-year students, which can amplify feelings of being “othered.” Georgia shared her frustration: “I’m desperately trying not to be homeless while others are just trying to pass exams.”
In response to these ongoing challenges, Become is pushing for improved support measures in universities. They advocate for dedicated programs to help care-experienced students, like tenancy deposit schemes and the presence of Designated Members of Staff to guide them.
Bracey emphasized the need for proactive support rather than reactive responses when issues arise. “Having a named contact can make a huge difference,” she said, reinforcing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique struggles of these students.
To learn more about care-experienced students and available support, check out Become’s resources. They aim to create a smoother path for these young individuals navigating academic life.
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HuffPost UK, local authority, Clare Bracey, local authorities, care leavers, student finance, accommodation
