‘Little islands’: challenges and opportunities for student carers in higher education

Student carers face multiple challenges when it comes to participation and success in Higher Education (HE). However, by listening to and acting on the voices of those directly affected, it is possible to identify opportunities to enhance their experience. This article explores the HE experience of student carers, defined here as carers of ill relatives, student parents, as well as sibling carers, via 10 semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Currently, the institution hosting this research holds limited quantitative and qualitative information about student carers – this project filled a qualitative gap. The project explored challenges to participation and success and opportunities presented by balancing unpaid caring responsibilities, work, and social life with study. Crucially, it reports on what student carers say in their own words about what would enhance their experience. The findings demonstrate the paramount importance of first identifying student caregivers and the need to establish positive staff-student relationships based on trust and empathy. Furthermore, how tailored support such as a Carers’ Passport and reasonable adjustments, the sensitive sharing of stories which heighten awareness of student carers, staff training and guidance, as well as the co-creation of resources and initiatives with student carers can aid trust building and enhance the HE experience.