Students with Caring Responsibilities

The University of Southampton recognises that students with caring responsibilities may find balancing these with their academic studies challenging. These commitments might also impact their physical and mental health, financial situation, relationships, and general student life. In recognition of this, the University offers a range of support which Student Parents and Young Carers/Student Carers can access. 

Student Parents

For those who are the main care provider for their child, further information on the support available to Student Parents can be found on our dedicated webpage here. 

Student Carers

At the University of Southampton, we define a Student Carer as a student who provides unpaid care, for a family member or friend with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction. Some students may not regard or recognise themselves as being a carer. We also recognise that such individuals might also be referred to as a young carer or young adult carer.  

The help and assistance provided by Student Carers can vary significantly. A caring role might only be a short-term commitment, like supporting someone recovering from an accident, or it could be an ongoing, long-term responsibility such as caring for someone who has a chronic illness or a disability. A student may be classed as a carer if they do any of the following for a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend by: 

• Provide emotional support 
• Provide physical care, such as person care or helping someone in and out of bed 
• Help someone communicate and access their community 
• Manage the family budget and pay bills 
• Manage prescriptions, support to administer medication and/or attending medical appointments 
• Preparing and supporting to eat meals and food shopping  
• Supporting to maintain a safe and habitable home environment 

Support Available