Here’s a complete guide to every form of support that Russell Group universities are giving to new and expectant parents who are studying with them.
Every parent enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree is eligible for the Parents’ Learning Allowance and the Childcare Grant, which are paid on top of the student maintenance loan and are not dependent on where you study.
According to the gov.uk website, you may still be entitled to Universal Credit if you are studying full time and responsible for a child; however, contacting your local job centre for specific situations is always best.
If you are a single parent, you may also be entitled to the Special Support grant or loan (grant in Wales, loan in England) if you qualify for certain benefits such as housing benefit.
So, here’s a rundown of what help students can get with childcare at each Russell Group university.
University of Birmingham
The university owns three Birmingham Day Nurseries within a two-mile radius of the Edgbaston campus.
University of Bristol
The campus has two nurseries exclusively for the children of staff and students for children aged between three months and five years. Places are highly coveted, so getting on the waitlist early is essential.
University of Bristol pregnant students have free and unlimited use of the swimming pool for their pregnancy. No membership is required; however, an application is required.
If you want to connect with other student parents, the university offers a Facebook group called Student Parent Network.
The university also offers family accommodation in Manor Hall for students with up to two children under five years old.
University of Cambridge
The university offers four nurseries taking children from three months to five years of age, and to help with the cost of childcare, the university provides a Childcare Support Fund for home students.
It offers a holiday playscheme open to children aged from reception to 15 years old.
There are also three local nurseries, which either have places assigned for specific colleges or belong to the colleges themselves. In addition to this, some colleges provide family accommodation.
The university additionally offers a tailored information service for University students who are parents.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University offers an on-campus nursery, aptly called Little Scholars Nursery, for children of students and staff aged 10 weeks to five years.
Amelie Abass, university student, about to drive her son to nursery
The university also offers family accommodation to first-year students only, with students able to choose between one, two or three-bedroom flats or houses.
Durham University
Durham University Day Nursery offers childcare in the heart of the city, open to children of staff, students, and members of the public alike, for children aged between six weeks and five years.
The university also offers free family activities throughout the year, generally aimed at children aged five to 11. Little Dragons is also a free playgroup for under-fives every Wednesday morning.
Ustinov College offers family accommodation in the form of one, two or three-bedroom flats.
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a student parent Facebook and WhatsApp group where like-minded student parents can connect with their peers.
The university also offers two nurseries at the King’s Building and the Easter Bush campus, as well as around 65 self-contained flats suitable for families.
University of Exeter
Exeter Nursery, part of Top’s Day Nurseries, is an on-campus nursery perfect for children of current students.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow has a dedicated Family Study Lounge.
There is also a selection of family residences for students with children.
There is a university nursery for the children of staff and students, although places cannot be guaranteed.
Imperial College London
Imperial Student Parent and Carers Network runs as a community for all parents and carers within the university.
King’s College London (KCL)
King’s provides purpose-built private parenting rooms at all of their campuses.
University of Leeds
Amelie Abass, university student with her son at a Chinese restaurant
Leeds has an on-campus nursery exclusively for children aged three months to four years of students and university staff members.
They also operate a playscheme for children aged between four and 11 during the school holidays.
The university also has 200 family properties; however, they cannot be guaranteed to students, as a waiting list exists.
University of Liverpool
The university has an on-campus registered children’s centre offering a nursery from six weeks to five years old and a holiday play scheme for children aged four to 11.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE has two partnerships to provide students with family accommodation.
They also provide a 25 per cent subsidy for childcare fees at any of the three nurseries they have entered into partnerships.
Turtles Nursery, one of the partnerships, offers emergency childcare for students who need it on short notice.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester has a Parents, Carers and Guardians Network.
It also has two dedicated nurseries for children of students and staff, Echoes and Holyrood Nursery, and a nursery subsidy scheme for students.
Newcastle University
Isaac enjoying time in the baby pool
Newcastle University provides a UK Undergraduate Student Parent Bursary.
It also provides dedicated nursing rooms, found using the interactive campus map.
The University also offers family accommodation, such as Bowsden Court.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham offers a dedicated day nursery and play centre for children from four months to five years old.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers various nursery choices from college to community nurseries and additional childcare through holiday clubs and babysitting services.
The university also provides family accommodation.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary offers family accommodation ranging from one to three-bedroom flats located at the Whitechapel campus.
Queen’s University Belfast
This Irish University has dedicated childcare services, including a daycare, an after-school club and dedicated breastfeeding rooms for mothers.
They also have limited student accommodation for families and a support fund for parents and carers.
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield Students’ Union has a dedicated nursery for students’ children aged six months to five years. The University also offers one, two, and three-bedroom family accommodation near the main university buildings.
University of Southampton
Southampton offers a dedicated Student Parent and Carer Network as a supportive community for students with children.
The University also offers limited accommodation for students with their families and a New and Expectant Parent room on Highfield Campus.
University College London (UCL)
UCL offers an on-campus nursery and limited family campus accommodation for students with children.
Isaac, waiting to go into Nursery
University of Warwick
Warwick Students’ Union has a dedicated parents and carers network, with a Facebook page you can join. The network includes family-friendly events, campaigns, and helpful information.
The university has its on-campus nursery for children of students and staff from three months to five years of age, as well as dedicated family on-campus accommodation.
Warwick offers several bookable expression rooms at various campus venues if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Warwick puts on several family-friendly activities throughout the year in the arts and sports centre, and a holiday scheme for children aged five-14 on campus.
University of York
Students with children are invited to join the designated Facebook group, and the university offers on-campus family accommodation.
Pregnant students may also request separate arrangements when taking exams, and the university offers a campus nursery for children of students, ages three months to five years old.
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