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Managing a busy study schedule as a carer can be difficult.ÌýÂ鶹´«Ã½ has a range ofÌýacademic supportÌýavailable for students to access.ÌýThe Academic Skills HubÌýon Brightspace is packed with online resources, including time management, exams and revision and digital skills.ÌýThere is also theÌýopportunity for face-to-face and virtual support.

Exceptional circumstancesÌý

Students who experience an unexpected or unforeseen circumstance which may impact their ability to study, submit an assignment or undertake an exam, can be considered forÌýexceptional circumstances.Ìý

If you feel that your caring responsibility will impact your study, you should discuss this with your faculty.

We understand that students with caring responsibilities, may also have additional financial commitments.ÌýThis may include higher travel costs, mobile phone costs and general costs associated with their caring responsibilities.ÌýThere may also be limited capacity to undertake paid work.ÌýAll of which then impacts a student’s financial situation.Ìý

There is a range of financial support that youÌýcan apply for if you are struggling and can demonstrate the need for additional funding.ÌýInformation can be found on ourÌýfinancial support pagesÌýand how you can apply.

Funding may also be available from external organisations and charities, such asÌýÌýfor unpaid carers who live in Dorset (eligibility criteria applies).

There is also a lot of practical information available on budgeting, shopping smart, part time work and much more on ourÌýfinancial wellbeing pages.

Having a caring responsibility and juggling this with study and other responsibilities can take its toll.ÌýIt is important to look after your own health and wellbeing to ensure you get the most of your degree and life.ÌýÂ鶹´«Ã½ is here to help and support you, if you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk through what is going on.ÌýPlease take a look at theÌýhealth and wellbeing supportÌýwhich is available.

Â鶹´«Ã½'s Faith & Reflection service provides spiritual support and care. OurÌýUniversity Chaplains and faith advisors are available to discuss life concerns and conversation is not restricted to religiousÌýissues.ÌýPeople will seek a chaplain as someone to listen to them for differing reasons, but some examples include:

• When they are looking to make a complex or difficult life decision
• When they need a confidential place to be heard
• At a time of bereavement
• When they are feeling isolated
• Are looking to explore spirituality
• Need advice or support from a specific faith tradition.

Please visitÌýFaith & ReflectionÌýfor key information and contact details.

We understand that whilst at university, having a job alongside study commitments and caring responsibilities can be difficult.ÌýYou may also need to take your caring responsibilities into consideration when you graduate and are looking for work.

Â鶹´«Ã½â€™sÌýCareer and Employability teamÌýare on hand to support students find employment, guidance on applications and interview techniques, CV writing skills and much more.

Managing your caring responsibilities

You may find these usefulÌýwhen trying to balance your caring responsibilities alongside your studies.Ìý

Ìýis an online tool which is designed to help support people caring for someone, and to improve communication and coordination between carers who share responsibility. It features group messaging,Ìýto-do lists, medication lists,Ìýcalendar and more.Ìý

You can also join theÌýÌýscheme, which is a free clubÌýcreated by the Carers Trust to help carers and people with care needs. You can accessÌýoffers, cash back, reductions, discounts and benefits on insurance, travel and high street shops. Plus, free legal advice services, best rates from energy providers, and more.

Useful links:

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