Academic support for estranged students

Navigating mitigating circumstances and managing challenges

University life can be rewarding, but there may be times when personal, emotional, or unexpected challenges affect your ability to keep up with your studies. 

Mitigating circumstances are there to ensure you’re treated fairly when something outside your control impacts your academic performance, such as illness, bereavement, or significant personal difficulties. If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to act early. 

Similarly, there is support to help you navigating your university journey during more difficult times. 

Tips for managing University during difficult times

When you’re dealing with personal or emotional challenges, small steps can make a big difference. 

• Stay connected:  Reach out to friends, family, or support services rather than isolating yourself. It can feel difficult or like you are burdening someone but remember, you are allowed to let other people know - they are there to listen! If you separation, speaking to support services will allow you to get help from someone who isn't as close and they will be able to direct you to further support if needed. 
• Communicate early: Let your tutors know if you are struggling; they can’t support you if they don’t know. They might be able to give you support with getting extenuating circumstances or help advice you on where to reach out for more support. They want you to do well so make sure to let them know as soon as you can. . 
• Break tasks down: Focus on manageable chunks rather than everything at once. At University there is a lot on your plate so breaking it down into more manageable steps will help you stay motivated when things get difficult.

• Be realistic with yourself: It’s okay to adjust expectations during difficult periods. Energy levels change throughout the academic year so doing smaller more regular work over pushing yourself can help to manage those dips you may face. 

• Look after your wellbeing: Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and time to rest. Stress can make it harder to take care of your body so making sure to make intentional effort is important to ensure you take care of yourself. 

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How the Plus Programme can support you

If you’re looking for additional support and opportunities, the Plus Programme offers a range of benefits designed to help you succeed:

• Priority access to opportunities and tailored support
• Personal development workshops to build confidence and key life skills
• Exclusive events and networking opportunities
• Guidance to enhance your academic and career journey

Being part of the Plus Programme means you’re recognised as a priority, with extra support to help you make the most of your time at university.

They can also provide statements in support of mitigating circumstances and support students with appealing decisions. 

Things to prepare for mitigating circumstances

Mitigating circumstances are short-term, unpredictable and unpreventable events such as illness, bereavement or a personal or family problem. General university pressures, such as high workloads and conflicting deadlines, are not considered mitigating circumstances.

Inform your school or academic advisor as soon as possible

Contact your school or academic advisor to inform them that you need support or are looking to apply for mitigating circumstances. Your school may have a specific process to follow so informing someone will allow them to help you do it right the first time. 

Gather any relevant evidence (e.g. medical notes, supporting statements)

When applying you will be asked to provide some evidence to showcase why you need to have some support or extra time during your studies. If you have been accessing appointments at the Student Counselling and Wellbeing service, you may be able to ask them to provide supporting information.

Submit your mitigating circumstances request within the required timeframe

You can apply for an extension of up to 14 days on the deadline for your coursework or 28 days if your course includes a clinical placement. Make sure to check deadlines and information that will help you to understand if you are able to apply. 

Seek guidance if you’re unsure about the process

If you are unsure of how to begin the process, you can contact the Student Information Service who will be able to give you guidance on how to do so. Alternatively reach out to your school or academic advisor if you have questions related more specifically to your assignment.