Student parents and carers

Studying whilst being a parent or carer can be really rewarding, but we know it comes with challenges too. We've pulled together some useful information to help you feel a bit more prepared.

Arrivals Weekend

Whether or not you are moving into student accommodation, Arrivals Weekend is a busy and exciting time on campus - and you're welcome to bring family and friends!

From exploring the Welcome Fair, to activities in the Wellbeing Marquee or taking a ride around campus on our land train, Arrivals Weekend is a family-friendly environment. Bring a picnic (or enjoy our food on campus) and soak up the atmosphere.

Support for carers

Student Services have collated additional information specifically for student carers. You can register your carer status with the University to help us understand your caring responsibilities. You will be contacted by your Wellbeing Officer or Student Services to chat through and provide advice on the support available to you.

Financial support

If you are a student from England with dependent children, and you are studying a full-time undergraduate degree or an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course, you may qualify for the Parents' Learning Allowance. This is an income-dependent award that is paid in addition to any other student finance, and does not need to be paid back. You can apply for the allowance when you apply for student finance.

You may also be able to apply for a Childcare Grant, which can help with up to 85% of childcare costs for children aged up to 15 (or up to 17 if they have special educational needs), if you are a full-time higher education student. This is paid in addition to student finance, and does not have to be paid back.

The Young Carer Awards exists to assist students who are Young Adult Carers (aged 18-24) in meeting living costs while studying at University, including additional costs incurred as a result of their caring responsibilities.

The Student Support Fund is provided by the University to help students who are experiencing genuine and unavoidable financial difficulties and are struggling with their living costs. The SSF is a discretionary grant, offering support of up to £2,500 in an academic year which does not need to be paid back.

Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. You can search for grants in your area.

Birmingham's day nurseries

We have three nurseries on campus (two at Edgbaston and one at Selly Oak) offering welcoming environments and activities created to support development, wellbeing and individuality. As a student, you are eligible for the reduced Staff and Student rates, and you may be able to make use the the Early Years Education Entitlement funding from 2 or 3 years old.

Explore our nurseries

Junior activities at Sport & Fitness

Sport & Fitness offer junior memberships (including free membership for under 4s) for children accompanied by an adult. Some classes are available to over 14s without an adult.

There's also a range of Pay & Go activities, including a weekend Junior Climbing Club for children aged 8+, making use of our indoor climbing wall, a Junior Jiu-Jitsu club for ages 6+, and a range of swimming lessons for all abilities. There are also summer holiday clubs for those looking to keep busy and active!

Explore junior activities

Family activities

We are lucky to have some fantastic museum and cultural spaces on campus which offer lots of family activities throughout the holidays. Check out our 'What's on for students' page to keep up-to-date with the latest events and activities.

What's on for students

Further sources of information

Gingerbread, the charity for single parents, have collated useful information for single parent students.

UCAS provide information for students with parenting responsibilities and students with caring responsibilities.

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