Students with children

We understand that juggling university with parenting responsibilities can be challenging. As a University we will support you to manage your studies alongside family life.

In addition to the support described below, there is also a Family Network run by families for families. The Network exists to enable students with children to meet, socialise, share information and have fun! All members of the University community who have children - undergraduates, postgraduates and members of staff - are welcome to get involved with the Family Network.

If you are a prospective student with a child or children, there are things that are important to consider before you start studying at York.

Facilities on campus

There are baby changing facilities available on campus which can be found on the campus map by searching for baby changing. If you would like a dedicated quiet place to breastfeed or to express milk - just search the map for breastfeeding.

There is a family study room in the Library where you can work alongside your children. It’s an ideal space for short study sessions when you need to keep your children with you and occupied.

Childcare

Childcare options for children younger than five include private nurseries, childminders, and pre-schools. City of York Council can help you to find childcare as well as advising how you can find out if you are entitled to up to 30 hours of free childcare per week.

The university's Campus Nursery is able to take children from 3 months up to 5 years and 11 months, including children who have already started school and may need childcare during half-term and summer holidays. The Campus Nursery also offers student, term time only rates and a choice of full day, afternoon or morning sessions. We have a minimum booking requirement of two sessions per week.

The nearest pre-school to the University is:

St Lawrence's Nursery (in St Lawrence's primary school)

There are several private nurseries close to the University, including the University of York Campus Nursery.

The Student Support and Advice team can support all students with children (home and international students) with queries relating to childcare.

Schools

The City of York Council has guides to help parents and carers with children who are looking to start a primary or secondary school in York.

If you are an international student this overview of schools in the UK explains how the school system works here and how to apply for a school place for your child.

Accommodation

For queries regarding University accommodation for families, the Accommodation team are happy to help.

For queries relating to private rented accommodation, the Student Support and Advice Team can support all students with children (home and international students).

Financial support

Students with children (particularly lone parents) are a priority group for the University's Student Support Fund. These funds help students who are experiencing unexpected financial difficulty due to an unforeseen change in their circumstances.

If you have children, regardless of whether you are over 25, you will be assessed as an independent student for financial support. Students with children are sometimes eligible for extra financial support so it is also important you look into this.

Details of typical costs for family accommodation and the on campus nursery can be found on the living costs web page.

The Student Support and Advice Team can support all students with children (home and international) with queries regarding financial support.

Academic issues: Exceptional Circumstances and Change of Plan

When you have children, things can happen that seriously impair your performance or prevent you undertaking the assessment at the scheduled time. Should the unexpected happen, you may be able to defer an assessment or take it again. Please see Exceptional circumstances affecting assessment for more detail.

If you need to change your plan during your time at university, there are always options available, including transferring to another course, taking a leave of absence (time out) or switching from full-time to part-time status.

Your Academic Supervisor is your best first point of contact to discuss academic matters. If you need further support, the Student Support and Advice team can help all students with children (both home and international students) explore options relating to academic issues.

Postgraduate International Students - Visas for bringing your dependants with you to the UK

If you are a postgraduate international student, your dependant family members (such as a spouse, partner, or children) may be able to apply for Dependant visas. This would enable them to come with you to the UK, or to join you in the UK later on.

You can find more information on applying for Dependant visas from outside the UK and on renewing Dependant visas from inside the UK on the International Student Support team's immigration web pages. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the International Student Support team through their self-referral form.

For any Spanish speakers, take a look at this recording held in Spanish for international students with children, led by two Masters students from Latin America.

The students share their experience of moving to the UK with their children, including enrolling their children in school, finding housing, adjusting to life in the UK and more. Monica from International Student Support also speaks of the services her team offers to international students with children.

Student Pregnancy, Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Policy

The University's Student Pregnancy, Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Policy covers any applicant who is pregnant, registered students who become pregnant during their studies and registered students whose partners are pregnant. Any registered student who becomes a parent, for example, through adoption is also covered by this policy.

The guidance relating to the above policy includes sources of support for student parents within the University as well as details of external sources of information and help.