Bringing your family to the UK

It can be supportive to have your family around you while you are studying in the UK, however there are things that you need to consider carefully before moving your family to the UK.

If you are planning to bring your family with you to the UK (or they are already here and you haven’t told us about it yet), please complete this short online form. This will help us to support you and ensure you are kept up-to-date with relevant information and events.

Take your time to read carefully through this section. It will give you all the information you need to help you make the right decision for you – and your family.

More information

Immigration

Accommodation

Our accommodation webpages have information about the very limited BU accommodation options available for couples and families and also a selection of links to local accommodation search websites.

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to find private rental accommodation in Bournemouth, in particular, if you have children. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you wait until you have found some suitable accommodation before you bring your family to join you in Bournemouth. Read Adebimpe's student blog for tips on booking family accommodation.

If you can find something suitable, the average cost of a 3 bedroom flat or house in Bournemouth is between £1000 and £1500 per month. However, the rental market is extremely competitive and therefore you may find that you have to pay more than this. If you do not have a guarantor in the UK, then you may need to pay a large deposit or several months’ rent in advance.

SUBU Advice can help you to understand contracts, deposits and your legal rights when dealing with private landlords.

For further guidance about finding private rental accommodation in Bournemouth, please visit our relevant private rental accommodation webpage.

Nursery & Childcare

You will need to pay for childcare for children before they reach school age. (Normally, children are expected to start attending school in the September after their 4th birthday.)

Childcare for children before the age of 4 or 5 is usually through a nursery or childminder.

Prices for childcare vary between providers, but you should expect to pay approximately £138 for 25 hours in a week. The NCT website has helpful information about the average costs of childcare.

In England, all children of age three and four are entitled to 570 hours of free childcare or early education each year, which must be taken over at least 38 weeks, for example, 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. This can be provided to children even if the family has No Recourse to Public Funds.

Talbot Woods Nursery is located on Talbot Campus. You should contact them as far in advance as possible if you would like to try to secure a place there for your child.

You can find a list of other local childcare providers on the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council website.

All of the above webpages frequently refer to funding available to help with childcare costs, however that information is aimed at local British residents and, if you are studying in the UK on a student visa, you will not normally be entitled to any government funding.

SportBU offer kids ‘camps’ to help with childcare during the school holidays:
Kids’ holiday camps | Bournemouth University

Schools

You should apply for a school place for your child as soon as possible. You can do this even before you have arrived in the UK. For detailed information about schools in Bournemouth, how to apply and also how to access any funding that you may be eligible for to help with the costs of school meals, transport and holiday clubs, please download and read our useful guidance document.

For additional information about schools please see the Bournemouth Council website.

Medical care

If you bring your dependants with you for the duration of your course, they are entitled to free treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Your family will be able to join a medical practice in the area where you live. They will not be able to register with the University Medical Centre as this is only available to students. Children are entitled to free medication that is prescribed by the GP (General Practitioner).

Work

Language support

It might be difficult for your spouse to settle in to life in the UK if they don’t speak much English.

If you have children, some schools might offer English language support for pupils and their family members who don’t speak English as a first language.

In addition, you may find the following free online resources helpful:

The British Council’s “Learn English” website which has a wide range of resources for adults of all levels.
The BBC’s “Learning English” webpages which have resources for both adults and children.

Cheap or free family activities and days out

There are plenty of fun things for you and your children to do in the local area without spending a lot of money. You can search www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk for more ideas.

You’ll be sure to find a park or play area nearby to where you live. These are all free to use and a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.

There are many libraries in the area operated by the Council. You and your children can join the library and borrow books and toys free of charge. The libraries offer a great programme of free activities for parents and children to attend together. This includes activities for older children in the school holidays and weekly Wriggle and Rhyme (for babies) and Toddler time (for 2-4 year olds).

There are also lots of other groups you can go to with your children. These groups are usually based in community centres or halls and the cost to attend them is minimal. There are usually refreshments and toys for the children to play with. This is a great way to meet other families in the local area. To find a group near you, look at your local church noticeboard or join the Dorset Mums facebook page.

The following webpages include helpful info about children’s sport activities: