Care Experienced Students Programme: CLASS

Are you a care experienced student about to start university studies in 2022?

This September we will launch our CLASS transition programme which will offer care experienced students starting their studies at London-based universities with support and guidance on university life, mental health, academic success, as well as wider life outcomes.

We will empower you with the skills, knowledge and support to transition from school or college to university life, and make the most of your studies.

As this programme is a pilot scheme, all students will be asked for their feedback so we can improve it for future participants.

What will I gain from participating?

You will improve on the academic skills required at university level.

You will gain skills for success at university and beyond including how to cook well for yourself.

You will have access to an approachable and knowledgeable team who are available to help with your future achievements.

You will gain confidence when seeking support and know where to turn for help.

Can I be involved?

To qualify as a student participant in the CLASS transition programme you must meet the following criteria:

be aged between 18-25 years
have been accepted an offer at a London-based university
be fluent in English
be care experienced or a care leaver within the UK

How can I participate?

If you would like to participate you can apply to join one of two groups on our transition programme. Depending on space limitations, you may not be allocated to your preferred group. Each group has a different structure as detailed, but both aim to empower you as you transition from school to university.

Group 1

This group will experience two weeks living on the University of Roehampton campus from 30 August to 9 September 2022.

All accommodation and meals will be paid for during this time.

Sessions and support will include:

Mental health education, self-management skills development, involvement of university societies, access to external partners services
Learning how to live independently
Access to further information regarding Rights and Entitlements as a Care Leaver Student
Mental health support during transition to university
Academic skills development
Careers advice and looking at life after university

In addition to this residential period, there will also be monthly sessions during the first year of your university studies.

These sessions are likely to be held face-to-face on the University of Roehampton campus but there may be some online sessions. There is no additional work to complete.

Monthly sessions will focus on:

Mental health development
Independent living
Self-management skills development
Increasing financial and budgeting awareness
Academic skills development
Careers advice
Society and university involvement

These monthly sessions will start from October 2022, and will last between one to two hours depending on the topic.

Group 2

This group will partake in Phase 2 of the programme which will not involve a residential stay. Instead participants will have the option to attend session held each month throughout their university degree programme.

These sessions will be held on The University of Roehampton's campus. Each monthly session will be two hours long, and these will be begin on 28 October 2022. There is no additional work to complete.

Monthly session topics will include: