Practical issues for trans students

The name that appears on the Degree Certificate is the individual’s legal name. Since new graduates may be asked to supply evidence of their qualifications to a new employer, current students may find it more practical to transition before sitting their final exams. (See the section changes to records for information for alumni who transition after graduation).

Students who are transitioning may experience financial difficulties. They are likely to incur additional expenditure which may be significant: for example new clothing, travelling to specialist services/clinics, possibly private medical interventions and medication to avoid delays, laser hair removal and voice coaching. 

Some students report experiencing a breakdown in relations with their families because of being trans, causing distress as well as potential financial hardship. If families are hostile to the transition, they may withdraw financial assistance. International students may face particular challenges in discussing their transition with friends and family at home, where cultural attitudes to gender variance may be very different.

Any student who is experiencing hardship may apply for hardship funding through college and University. However, this is very unlikely to pay for medical treatments or for specialist gender counselling. Counselling to assist with stress or mental health concerns may be available through the student support services.

Sources of financial support and advice: 

• Student Advice Service
• College welfare officers - Support and access to college hardship funds
• University Hardship Fund
• University Counselling Service
• LGBTQ Society

An individual does not need to seek medical intervention as part of a transition process, although they may choose to do so. In the UK the initial point of contact is normally the person’s GP.  For students this would be their college doctor. The GP can refer to specialist Gender Identity Clinics for assessment and treatment, but there may be long waiting lists.

This may be a distressing time, so we would encourage students to seek support from the college doctor, the college nurse or the Counselling Service. Support may also be available through the Disability Advisory Service, if a student has been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Help is also available through the national MindLine Trans+ helpline: www.bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-counselling/mindline-transplus.

A GP may be able to prescribe ‘bridging’ endocrine treatments as part of a holding and harm reduction strategy while the patient awaits specialised endocrinology or other gender identity treatment. Endocrine treatments should be given under medical supervision and appropriately monitored, so self-medication is strongly discouraged.

The University does not pay for private medical treatment, including specialist counselling.