Care-experienced students share ‘powerful and honest’ accounts of university

A new series of videos turns the spotlight on the lived experiences of three care leaver and care-experienced students in higher education.

In the ‘powerful and honest’ accounts, each student reflects on their unique journey to higher education and what it means to thrive at university as someone from a care-experienced background. From overcoming challenges before and during university life to finding a sense of belonging within our community, their stories shine a light on both the barriers they have faced and the support that has helped them succeed.

Morgan, one of the young people taking part in the video series, went into supported living when he was 17 before studying law at the University of Swansea. He is now at the University of Bath studying Social Work and Applied Social Studies.

“Before coming to Bath, I was apprehensive about fitting in – given my background,” Morgan said.

“I'm not afraid to say during my time at the University of Bath, I’ve had to reach out for help numerous times. And at all the points that I did struggle, the student support team were more than willing to help me whenever I needed them.”

The university says the videos were created to raise awareness of the experiences of care-experienced students and ensuring their voices are heard, adding that they are a valuable resource for all staff, students and applicants who want to better understand the perspectives of care leavers and how to foster a more inclusive environment.

"Care-experienced students often face significant barriers on their journey into and through higher education, from financial pressures to a lack of stable support networks,” Imroze Sahota, Student Retention and Success Team Leader, said.

“These videos highlight not only the challenges our students have overcome, but also the positive impact that the right support can have.”