Care leavers: What support we offer, Leeds Beckett University
At Leeds Beckett University we recognise that care experienced or estranged young people coming to university for the first time will have a number of questions and concerns particularly around accommodation.
For care leavers or estranged student who decide to stay in university halls of residence, there is lots of support and guidance available. Along with many other universities, Leeds Beckett University guarantee accommodation for 365 days a year. This is in addition to the bursaries and schemes available to help with the costs of accommodation, such as our accommodation deposit waiver. Read further information here.
Leeds Beckett University is also part of the Unite Foundation, which offers scholarships for free accommodation for a period of up to three years in Unite properties in a number of UK cities. To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be a care leaver or estranged from their family, aged under 25 and starting their first undergraduate degree. Scholarships are awarded to students from a wide range of backgrounds and all levels of academic ability. Emphasis is placed on supporting young people with ambition for whom access to a secure home is particularly meaningful.
To find out about the bursaries and also sources of support, students can arrange a meeting with our dedicated care leaver contact, Sam Wainwright. This can be at any point in their application journey and if needed, before they apply to Leeds Beckett University. Sam can provide advice on finance, study support or any other questions about university life.
To support students settling into halls or adjusting to university life in Leeds, a dedicated team, the Residence Life (ResLife) team are available to provide welfare and pastoral support. This can include resolving issues with flatmates, helping students to adjust to a new setting and being available to chat if other problems arrive. The team provide information and advice and have good links with university services, so can signpost students to the appropriate sources of help. They all have experience of university life and understand what it’s like to adjust to life in a new place so are well-placed to support students in a similar position.
To help care leavers and estranged students fully enjoy their time in Higher Education, they can access free memberships to the University.
Further information about the support Leeds Beckett University offers
