Dependant Support
Source: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/together/welcome/internationalstudents/dependant/ Parent: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/together/welcome/
Living in a new country is exciting but can also be challenging.
Warwick offers a range of support services specifically designed to assist our international students and their families, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for you and your family.
Accessing Healthcare
Dependant visa holders have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge and so have free access to the National Health Service. They can either register in the University Health Centre (if you live on or near campus), or any local General Practitioner (doctor).
Childcare and Schooling Assistance
For those of you with families, we understand the importance of childcare and schooling. Our Student Union Advice Centre is happy to help you navigate childcare options and accessing schooling for your children.
- UK state-funded and independent (private) school applications - if you will bring dependent children, they can normally attend state-funded school but you will need to apply for a place, so do your research and make contact early.
- Coventry City Council school admissions webpage - if you live on campus or in Coventry and are looking for a place in a local school.
- Coventry Information Directory - if you live on campus or in Coventry and are looking for childcare options.
- Find and check the performance of schools and colleges in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you have young children and need help with childcare during school holiday or with childcare costs:
Family accommodation on and off campus
- Campus accommodation options for family - We have a limited number of two and three bedroom houses and apartments on campus that are suitable for students who have up to three children and international students are prioritised.
- Living off-campus support advice - We have lots of information on popular local areas to live and how to prepare for off-campus living.
- Why not read our current student blog about 'Finding off-campus family accommodation'?
- Students Union Advisors - We provide information and support on family accommodation, especially if you face issues with landlords, need help navigating right-to-rent checks, or have a problem with council tax concerns. We can support you even before you arrive or start the course.
Family activities at Warwick Art Centre
Our Art Centre has a calendar of events which are suitable for the local community including those with young children. Check out the offers and pop in for an arts and craft event! This is a good opportunity to make friend with local residents and other students with family.
I want further support
- Visa related? Get in touch with our Student Visa Advice Service.
- Anything else? Get in touch with our Student Union Advice Centre.
Practical Living Support
We understand that settling into a new country involves more than just academics. That's why we provide practical information on banking, shopping, and day-to-day life in the UK. This knowledge is relevant not only for you but also for your dependents.
- Open a UK Bank Account
- Read about our current students' experiences:
- Thriving in the UK with Your Family: A Guide for Warwick International Students
- My favourite spots to eat and drink on campus
- Explore more current student blogs on our Unibuddy platform.
Visa related support
Our team is here to guide you through visa processes, including any questions about work permission, type of work you can do, and any issues you might experience, throughout your course, up till 6 months after your graduation.
- Visa for your family - check if you can bring your family to the UK when you study and how to apply for their visa.
- FAQ and how to contact us - you can book an appointment, contact us via a webform, or attend an in-person drop in if you have any questions that are not covered on the webpage.
Remember, your dependants will continue to receive a visa sticker on their passport (valid for 90 days), even if you don't receive one.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is no longer issued, and so all of you will need to register for an eVisa.
Working in the UK
Dependent visa holders are permitted to work in the UK (please check your eVisa for confirmation). Many students and their dependants explore temporary and seasonal work opportunities via Unitemps, the University’s temporary job agency.
There are also other ways and information that is relevant to working in the UK, for example:
-
Careers support for international students (job seeking timeline and practical info)