Estrangement: Your FAQs

If you’re an estranged student, the Advice team are here to help your University experience. Whether you’re after advice, information on what support is available to you or just need some to talk to, we are here for you. The Guild are committed to helping you achieve your fullest potential and to ensure you’re supported during your time at Exeter.

We stand with the University of Exeter’s Stand Alone Pledge which aims to provide support for estranged students in the following areas: financial, accommodation, wellbeing, peer mentoring, careers and employability. For more information, visit Stand Alone pledge.

To be considered irreconcilably estranged from your parents, you won’t have had any written or verbal contact with either parent and this is unlikely to change. It would usually last for a period of at least twelve months, but all cases would be considered.

I’m not fully estranged but I have a difficult family relationship

Becoming estranged is a big step and can be really conflicting and upsetting. We would still like you to get in touch and can provide you some information and things to think about. Each situation is unique, and we will always try and help if we can.

I have suddenly become estranged can you help

Unfortunately, relationships can suddenly turn especially if parents are unwilling/unable to support with a change that they do not agree with. We have seen this particularly in matters of religion, sexuality, gender, even study choices. Do get in contact with us and we can often help in these situations and will look at what you need to be recognised as estranged.

I’m not estranged but I am keen to help support other students, what can I do?

Join us in supporting students during Estranged students Solidarity week Estranged students solidarity week. We will be putting on a range of talks and events to raise awareness for estranged students.