Students Under 18 Years Old

The University of Salford is an adult environment with relatively few students or visitors who are under 18. Although we make some additional provision for students who are under 18, we generally expect students to be self-sufficient and to live and study independently. If you experience difficulties, it is your responsibility to ask for help and assistance from the wide range of support available.

As a student who is under 18, you will not be more closely monitored than other students (exception stated above for students 16 years or under) and it is up to you to ensure that you attend your classes, complete your work and that you take care of your day-to-day activities - such as cooking and laundry.

If you are under 18, our University Partner Accommodation provider will allocate accommodation to you provided that you fulfil the criteria for accommodation and the availability of rooms. See their website or email them directly for further information at salford@clvuk.com. All properties that are part of Salford Student Village have 24-hour security cover.

For any accommodation related questions please email accomodation@salford.ac.uk.

Guidance is provided for students on keeping safe at University and we encourage all students to familiarize themselves with security and emergency information once they arrive. Find more information about security on our website.

Health

If you are unwell, you should seek medical care from the relevant National Health Service. Find more information about health services on our website.

Students must register with a local GP if they want to have access to NHS treatment and consultation. To register with a GP, you must live within the ‘catchment area’ of that GP’s practice. Depending on where you live, you can register at the University-based Medical Centre, a practice close to accommodation, or at a GP practice nearest to your home. Most students will register with a GP at one of the following:

• Maxwell Health Centre, based in Maxwell Building on the Peel Park Campus
• Clarendon Road Surgery (Pendleton Gateway – near John Lester and Eddie Colman Court accommodation)

Wellbeing

Our Wellbeing and Counselling Service provides practical and emotional support for any difficulties you may be struggling with during your time at University. To get in touch with the team, email wellbeing@salford.ac.uk or call +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 1 option 1).

CareFirst

As a student at the University of Salford, you can access free, confidential counselling through the 24-hour Student CareFirst telephone helpline which provides emotional support by trained counsellors. Calls can be made to +44 (0)800 970 1080. The service can provide you with advice and support whether you are in a crisis or not - so if you just want to chat about your mental health and wellbeing, you can still ring the number. 

Find more information about CareFirst or other wellbeing support available on our website.

If you are a UK student under the age of 18, you are still able to claim a Student Loan. You must apply as normal via Student Finance. The only condition is that your parents/carers must sign your form to enable you to receive loans before your 18th birthday. Once you reach the age of 18, the responsibility of the loan becomes your own.

If you experience delays in receiving your Student Loan, you should speak to our Money Matters Team as soon as possible by emailing moneymatters@salford.ac.uk. 

Should you have money worries during your course, seek guidance from a Money Adviser. There may be additional support available to you to top up existing loans and grants you receive. Find further information on our website.

The Salford Support Fund assists UK students who are experiencing exceptional financial difficulties during the academic year and/or are considering leaving higher education because of financial problems. Students who receive Student Finance Tuition and Maintenance loans and are registered on an undergraduate and postgraduate course at the University of Salford are eligible to apply. To enquire about applying, please call +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 2 then option 3), and an adviser will then ask you some eligibility questions before sending the application form to you.

Opening bank accounts

Most banks in the UK will not open student bank accounts for students under 17 years old, and for some the rule is 18 years old. For home (UK) students, this could mean it is best to keep your current banking arrangements until you are 18. Please have a look at comparison websites like Which or Save the Student to learn more about what accounts are available.

Please remember it is your decision what type of bank account you open and the university cannot be responsible for this, so it is important to think carefully before opening an account. If you have trouble opening any type on bank account, please contact our Specialist Advisers on +44 (0)161 295 0023 or email u18@salford.ac.uk for advice.

Please remember that, until your 18th birthday, there are certain facilities both on and off campus that are ‘off limits’ to you. We have listed some of these below:

• Alcohol – if you are under 18 it is illegal for you to buy alcohol or for anyone else to sell it to you. A court of law could fine both you and the seller. This means you must not drink alcohol in the bars on campus or elsewhere. The Students Union bar, Atmosphere, does not allow Under 18s to remain in or enter the bar after 9pm.
• Tobacco – it is illegal to sell tobacco or cigarettes to anyone who is under 18. The shops on campus will not sell tobacco or cigarettes to anyone under 18.
• Gambling – Under 18s are not allowed to gamble or work in betting shops or clubs. Over 18s are not allowed to place bets for underage people.
• Cinema/Videos and DVDs – There are restrictions on what you can watch in the cinema or on video/DVD.
• Students’ Union Clubs and Societies – There may be age restrictions in applications to certain societies and clubs, for example the Poker Society (due to gambling laws) and Sports Societies (due to insurance cover or eligibility to compete).

You have been asked to provide emergency contact details which will be held by the University and may be used if there are serious concerns about your health or welfare. Except in an emergency situation, we will not discuss details of your progress or any personal issues with your emergency contact or any other third party unless you have given permission.

If your parents or carers are unable to travel with you when studying in the UK, you must have an official guardian by law who is responsible for your welfare whilst you remain in the UK. For some people, this may be a family member or friend, although for students who don't have that support in the UK, there are other options available.

You can search and apply for UK guardianship through AEGIS (Association for Education and Guardianship of International Students). We are unable to process applications without a UK guardianship form signed.

The University of Salford is an adult environment with relatively few students or visitors who are under 18. Although we make some additional provision for students who are under 18, we generally expect students to be self-sufficient and to live and study independently. If you experience difficulties, it is your responsibility to ask for help and assistance from the wide range of support available.

As a student who is under 18 you will not be more closely monitored than other students (exception stated above for students 16 years or under) and it is up to you to ensure that you attend your classes, complete your work and that you take care of your day-to-day activities - such as cooking and laundry.

If you are under 18, our University Partner Accommodation provider will allocate accommodation to you provided that you fulfil the criteria for accommodation and the availability of rooms. Find further information on their website or email them directly at salford@clvuk.com. All properties that are part of Salford Student Village have 24-hour security cover.

For any accommodation related questions please email accommodation@salford.ac.uk.

Guidance is provided for students on keeping safe at university and we encourage all students to familiarize themselves with security and emergency information once they arrive. Find more information about security on our website.

Health

If you are unwell, you should seek medical care from the relevant National Health Service. Find more information about health services on our website.

Students must register with a local GP if they want to have access to NHS treatment and consultation. To register with a GP, you must live within the 'catchment area' of that GP's practice. Depending on where you live, you can register at the University-based Medical Centre, a practice close to accommodation, or at a GP practice nearest to your home.

More information on healthcare is available from the British Council and UKCISA.

Even if you are eligible for NHS treatment or have paid the surcharge, it is advisable for international students to take out health insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you are covered if you need to be. Visit the UKCISA website for more details.

Most students will register with a GP at one of the following:

• Maxwell Health Centre, based in Maxwell Building on the Peel Park Campus
• Clarendon Road Surgery (Pendleton Gateway – near John Lester and Eddie Colman Court accommodation)

Wellbeing

Our Wellbeing and Counselling Service provides practical and emotional support for any difficulties you may be struggling with during your time at University. To get in touch with the team, email wellbeing@salford.ac.uk or call +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 1 option 1).

CareFirst

As a student at the University of Salford, you can access free, confidential counselling through the 24-hour Student CareFirst telephone helpline which provides emotional support by trained counsellors. Calls can be made to +44 (0)800 970 1080. The service can provide you with advice and support whether you are in a crisis or not - so if you just want to chat about your mental health and wellbeing, you can still ring the number.

Find more information about CareFirst or other wellbeing support available on our website.

EU nationals who intend to study an undergraduate, foundation or postgraduate course in the UK may be eligible to receive financial support from Student Finance such as Tuition Fee Loans and help with living costs. Find full details on the government's website. The only condition to being Under 18 when applying for student finances is that your parents/carers must sign your form to enable you to receive loans before your 18th birthday. Once you reach the age of 18, the responsibility of the loan becomes your own.

Should you have money worries during your course, seek guidance from an askUS Student Money Adviser. There may be additional support available to you to top up existing loans and grants you receive. Find further information on our website.

The International Support Fund assists International students who are experiencing a crisis that has arisen as a result of a significant and unexpected event that occurred after their course started at Salford and that could not have been predicted in their financial planning. All International students (including European) undergraduate and postgraduate students who are registered on a course at The University of Salford are eligible to apply. To enquire about the International Support Fund please contact us at moneymatters@salford.ac.uk

Paying your tuition fees

If you think you may have a problem paying your tuition fees, it is really important that you speak to somebody as early as possible. The sooner we know there is a problem, then the sooner our trained staff can help and advise you. The Income & Treasury Management Team should be your first point of call if you have a problem. They can be contacted on +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 2, option 1) or by emailing incometreasury@salford.ac.uk.

We have Student Money Advisers who can provide support and advice if you are in financial difficulties. They can be contacted by emailing moneymatters@salford.ac.uk. They can also provide information about budgeting and additional financial help.

Opening bank accounts

Most banks in the UK will not open student bank accounts for students under 17 years old, and for some the rule is 18 years old. For International students, you will not have a pre-existing bank account so will need to make arrangements. Remember not all student accounts will be open to International students no matter what your age so you will have to check. Please have a look at comparison websites like Which or Save the Student to learn more about what accounts are available. There is also helpful advice for international students from UKCISA's website on this topic.

Please remember it is your decision what type of bank account you open and the university cannot be responsible for this, so it is important to think carefully before opening an account. If you have trouble opening any type on bank account, please contact our Specialist Advisers on +44 (0)161 295 0023 or email u18@salford.ac.uk.

Please remember that, until your 18th birthday, there are certain facilities both on and off campus that are ‘off limits’ to you. We have listed some of these below:

• Alcohol – if you are under 18 it is illegal for you to buy alcohol or for anyone else to sell it to you. A court of law could fine both you and the seller. This means you must not drink alcohol in the bars on campus or elsewhere. The Students Union bar, Atmosphere, does not allow Under 18s to remain in or enter the bar after 9pm.
• Tobacco – it is illegal to sell tobacco or cigarettes to anyone who is under 18. The shops on campus will not sell tobacco or cigarettes to anyone under 18.
• Gambling – Under 18s are not allowed to gamble or work in betting shops or clubs. Over 18s are not allowed to place bets for underage people.
• Cinema/Videos and DVDs – There are restrictions on what you can watch in the cinema or on video/DVD.
• Students’ Union Clubs and Societies – There may be age restrictions in applications to certain societies and clubs, for example the Poker Society (due to gambling laws) and Sports Societies (due to insurance cover or eligibility to compete).

Working Restrictions

A student who is aged 16 or 17 may work (referred to in this section as Child Student): a) for no more than 10 hours per week during term time; and b) for any duration during vacation (including before the course starts); and c) on a course-related work placement which forms an assessed part of the Child Student’s course; provided that any period that the Child Student spends on that placement does not exceed half of the total length of the course undertaken in the UK, unless it is a UK statutory requirement that the placement should exceed half the total length of the course.

You have been asked to provide emergency contact details which will be held by the University and may be used if there are serious concerns about your health or welfare. Except in an emergency situation, we will not discuss details of your progress or any personal issues with your emergency contact or any other third party unless you have given permission.