Support for students with caring responsibilities

Updated on: 24 July 2024

Find out what type of support the University offers to students who are also carers.

A carer is someone who provides help for a friend, family member or a neighbour. This could be because of illness, ageing, a disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. 

Some people might start their studies as a carer and others might become a carer during their studies. 

The University offers support to all students with caring responsibilities, including specific support for young carers.

Wellbeing support

If you are student with caring responsibilities, the University’s Access and Inclusion Adviser will be your point of contact during your studies, and can:

  • give you advice
  • provide wellbeing support
  • help you find the right support service inside or outside the University. 

Carers and young carers can contact the Access and Inclusion Adviser to ask for support, including one-to-one sessions, by emailing:

You can also get counselling, mental health and wellbeing support at the University.

Academic support

Student Services can:

  • speak to your academic school and ensure any extra support has been arranged
  • liaise with your academic school and explore options when your caring responsibilities affect your studies
  • help you to get study skills support from the University’s Centre for Educational Enhancement and Development (CEED).

Money advice

The University offers: 

  • financial support through the Discretionary Fund 
  • advice on budgeting and financial circumstances — email moneyadvice@st-andrews.ac.uk or speak to your support coordinator to ask for financial guidance
  • a financial health check to ensure you have access to all the help available through the University.

Commuting

We recognise that students who commute may need specific information and support. Visit the University’s support resources for commuter students for more information, or email the University's Access and Inclusion Adviser:

The Students’ Association Carers, Commuters, Mature and Flexible Learners Forum (CCMFL) organises activities, meet-ups and resources for commuter students, students who are parents or carers, mature students, evening degree and part-time students. The CCMFL Officer is the chair of the forum and is a member of the Students’ Representative Council. You can contact them by emailing ccmfl@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Careers support

The University’s Careers Centre provides advice and support to students and graduates on how to prepare for a job application and how to find jobs or internships.

Accommodation

Visit the University’s accommodation pages to find out more about the options available to students, including costs, information on how to apply, and application deadlines. 

Your support coordinator can advise on:

  • how to apply for University accommodation
  • how to find private accommodation and get help with deposits. 

Guide category

Student support