Dependant Support
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.
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).
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:
- 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.
- Off-campus accommodation housing advice - Our Students Union Advisors provides 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.
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.
- Visa related? Get in touch with our Student Immigration team.
- Anything else? Get in touch with our Student Union Advice Centre.
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
- This useful resource covers things like British mentality, UK restaurant, culture, advice on UK stores and online shopping, UK weather, national holidays in the UK and popular landmarks to visit! You can also find the same resource translated in Chinese, and in Russian. These were created by international students for international students as part of a research project.
- Read about our current students' experiences:
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.
- Knowledge Centre 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.
Dependent visa holders are permitted to work in the UK (please check your visa/BRP 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: