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. 

Am I estranged from my parents?

If you have not communicated with either of your biological or adoptive parents for 12 months (although Student Finance England, will consider all cases) before your course begins and the situation is irreconcilable, then you may be classed as estranged.

This means no written or verbal contact with either parent and that this is unlikely to change.

You cannot apply as estranged just because:

  • your parents don’t financially support you
  • you don’t get on with your parents
  • you don’t live with your parents
  • your parents do not want to give details of their income or refuse to provide financial support to you.

If you are uncertain or want to understand whether you are estranged, Stand Alone offers a lot of helpful information and advice. You can also check the UCAS guide for estranged students. You can also email [email protected], to discuss this further.

Financial support

We currently offer eligible estranged students:

Accommodation for estranged students

As a part of our support for Estranged students, we offer guaranteed accommodation for the duration of your studies, if you choose to take it up. Initially, you’ll choose a room from the available halls for the academic year and then, if you choose to stay in halls over the summer, you can contact the individual hall you wish to stay at, or our Accommodation team on [email protected] to discuss a summer let.

We’re also aware you may not have the money to pay towards your accommodation before starting with us and receiving your first installment from Student Finance. Therefore, if you book in a BU-managed hall (Dorchester House, Student Village, Unilet) we may be able to offer you a deferral of your first rent until you’ve started at BU and received your first installment. Please contact [email protected], for further details. T&C’s apply.

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

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.