University support for continuing pregnancy and childcare
If you find out that you are pregnant whilst at university and want to continue the pregnancy, there are a number of ways to get support, for both the duration of your pregnancy and after you have given birth. Pregnancy and childcare can be difficult to juggle with full-time studies, so please do not hesitate to reach out and get the support you need.
Support within College
Your first port of call is your Tutor or Senior Tutor, who should be contacted preferably before you reach the 15th week of pregnancy to ensure enough time to put all appropriate accommodations in place. However if you are already past that stage, please do not hesitate to still get in contact as your Tutor / Senior Tutor will have more knowledge about the avenues available to you. If you are unsure of who your tutor or senior tutor is or how to contact them, you should be able to find their contact details on your college website.
Your College Nurse can offer support and information about issues including health and accommodation. You can find their contact details on your college website.
Each College also has a Designated Childcare Contact. You can find out who your College’s Childcare Contact is using the link below:
They can let you know what support your College can offer to student parents. Many Colleges hold family events that can allow you to meet other student parents within your college.
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Support from the wider University
University Maternity / Paternity Policy and Other Information:
The attached file contains information about what to do if you get pregnant, and are looking to keep the pregnancy, including links and details to various points of contact for support within the University. There is also information about what to do if you happen to be an international student:
student_pregnancy.pdf (cam.ac.uk)
Information about Intermission:
You will need to apply for non-medical intermission. This will be discussed with your senior tutor but this link can be used to find out more about how and when to apply: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/graduate-study/your-student-status/non-medical-intermission.
For more information about changing your course once you return from intermission or extending your return date, use the link below: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/graduate-study/your-...
If you are fully or partially funded by a College scholarship, then you can contact your College’s Tutorial Department for advice on sourcing funding whilst you are on intermission.
University Child Care Office:
The university also has a dedicated Child Care Office, which provides support for staff and students with children, including information about nursery places and childcare by the University, during both term time and the holidays. For more information, visit:
Childcare Office | (cam.ac.uk)
Financial Support:
The University offers two types of financial support to help eligible families with their childcare costs:
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The Central Childcare Bursary Scheme for EU and Overseas students
Central Childcare Bursary Scheme for EU and overseas students | Childcare Office (cam.ac.uk)
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The University Childcare Support Fund for home students.
The University Childcare Support Fund for home students | Childcare Office (cam.ac.uk)
Welfare and Mental Health Support:
Welfare support is offered by the University and the Colleges. Please do not hesitate to reach out - pregnancy can be an overwhelming time, especially when balanced with your studies. The University is here to help you.
More information can be found using the links below https://www.studentwellbeing.admin.cam.ac.uk/university-and-other-support https://www.studentwellbeing.admin.cam.ac.uk/college-pastoral-support.
University support includes:
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Students' Unions' Advice Service (SUAS)
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offering free, confidential and independent information, advice and support to all students at the University. Students can contact SUAS with any queries at www.studentadvice.cam.ac.uk/.
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University Counselling Service (UCS)
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providing free, specialist mental health interventions through a professionally staffed confidential service to students https://www.studentwellbeing.admin.cam.ac.uk/university-and-other-support/university-counselling-service-ucs.
Information about UK Healthcare for International Students:
International students can find out more about healthcare in the UK here: https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/arriving/healthcare-uk.
Other Resources
General Information about pregnancy and birth:
The NHS Pregnancy and Baby Guide can be found here, providing information about pregnancy, labour, and birth:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website offers information, support, courses and workshops on pregnancy and birth as well as opportunities to meet other local expecting parents:
Financial Support:
Information about available financial support and eligibility from the UK Government towards childcare costs can be found on the Childcare Choices website: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Child Benefit can be claimed from birth for UK Citizens. Information about Child Benefit, including eligibility can be found using the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for any other type of financial support, you can find out using the student section of Turn2Us: