Accessibility statement

Students who are Carers

A student carer is a student who cares for a family member or friend while they are studying. The person they are caring for may need support due to an illness, disability, mental health condition or an addiction.

If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you may be a carer. We are committed to supporting students with caring responsibilities. Your caring role may be a short term commitment, for instance looking after someone following an accident, or it could be a long term responsibility.

  • Do you constantly worry about a family member or relative?
  • Do you provide emotional support on the phone? 
  • Do you travel home at weekends to help look after someone? 

Juggling caring responsibilities with studying can be challenging and is likely to put additional pressure on you. Caring responsibilities may have an impact on your financial situation, your own physical and mental health, your academic attainment (you may find yourself missing classes and deadlines), your relationships and your aspirations for the future.

Support for Carers studying at York:

The University works very closely with York Carers Centre. They offer a wide range of support, including social events, day trips and one-to-one advice sessions. You can also ask for a Carer's Assessment which is free of charge and may highlight further support available to you.

You may also find the information below helpful. 

Hope Support offers online support for students with a close family member who has a serious illness. Among other things, they can offer advice on leaving home, living away, dealing with responsibilities, home visits and staying positive. Hope also offers fortnightly chat sessions for university students through their online service. This can be a good way to meet other students who are experiencing similar emotions to yourself

  • Which? Elderly care offers independent and practical advice for people who are caring for elderly parents or other relatives
  • Carers UK
  • York Carers Centre have a range of activities, events and groups for you get to involved with
  • YorOK is a free information service for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-19
  • Carers Trust

To claim Carers Allowance you must be studying for less than 21 hours a week and so full time students can NOT claim this.

We can also offer carers advice relating to eligibility for benefits and tax credits.

For more information relating to support for new and current students please visit the Student Communities webpages