Estranged students are young people aged between 18 and 24 who are studying without the support and approval of their family network due to a breakdown in their relationship. This might be biological, step or adoptive parents, or possibly wider family members who have been involved in your care.

At BU, we’re committed to supporting estranged students to enter and succeed in higher education, and offer a range of support to make your transition to university life easier. That’s why we’ve signed up to the Stand Alone pledge to ensure we can provide financial, accommodation, mental health and outreach support for estranged students while they study with us.

What is the Stand Alone Pledge?

The Stand Alone Pledge involves a university committing to support estranged students in a variety of ways, including year-round support with accommodation.

Visit BU's page on the Stand Alone Pledge site

Support available

Financial support

We currently offer eligible estranged students:

Accommodation support

As part of our commitment to the Stand Alone Pledge, estranged student applicants are guaranteed BU accommodation for the full period of their studies, if they require it.

Estranged students can also apply for a Unite Foundation Scholarship. Currently, as an estranged student, you can access a guaranteed 52 weeks of accommodation for your first year, and we commit to making this available for the full duration of your course by 2023/24.

The deadline for applicants in this category to inform Residential Services of their need for accommodation is 18:00 on Thursday 14 August 2025.

A Unite Foundation Scholarship, as part of the Stand Alone Pledge, means a rent-free university home for three separate years of your degree. You will also have other opportunities through Unite Foundation’s sponsors, such as work placements, mentoring and activities that can help you make the most of your university experience.  

If you have any questions, please email our Student Support & Engagement Team at [email protected] or visit the Unite Foundation website for further information.

Important information: Scholarships are reviewed on a regular basis and the Unite Foundation reserves the right to withdraw, amend or introduce new scholarships at any time. Scholarships are offered subject to funding and availability.

Mental health and wellbeing support

BU has an allocated point of contact for pastoral support and we aim to develop a buddy scheme (peer support) for estranged students. We are also compiling a wellbeing welcome pack for new students. SUBU Advice also provides free, independent, non-judgemental and confidential advice and information to all BU students.

There are a number of wellbeing services within Bournemouth University that are able to provide both support while you study with us. For further information, watch this video about Student Services with information from BU students:

For more information, email: [email protected]

Additional support

Visit the Stand Alone website to find out more about the support the charity offers across finance, accommodation and other areas.

UCAS also has an estrangement hub which provides a range of information, from finances to accommodation at university.