Families
Non-EEA nationals
To check if your family can now come to or stay in the UK and to see see how to apply for their visas look at Applying for a visa for dependants.
This page aims to cover issues that other students with families have found important and to direct you to other sources of information. If you would like to discuss your situation in confidence, please contact the International Student Advisory Service. With your permission, we may also be able to put you in touch with other students with families already at Oxford Brookes University.
Bringing your family with you
Your family may be able to choose to stay in your home country or come with you to Oxford. But it is likely to be difficult to balance their needs with the pressures of studying. It is best if you make your plans as early as possible. If your partner, spouse and/or children wish to come with you to Oxford, you need to think carefully how they will adjust to life in Oxford, how much money you will need and where you will live.
Students who have successfully coped with bringing their family to the UK, are generally those who have planned ahead. They have settled into university life and found suitable accommodation before their families have joined them. It may take some time to find accommodation, and temporary accommodation for families in hotels and guest houses can be very expensive.
If you decide to come alone to Oxford for the whole of your studies, you may find you are lonely and worried about your family. This may affect your ability to study. On your return, it may also take some time for you to settle back into family life after time away in a different culture.
Immigration
Non-EEA nationals The visa rules for Tier 4 students with dependants have changed from 4 July 2011, so it is important to check how this affects your family at Applying for a visa for dependants .
EEA nationals
- If you and your family are European Economic Area (EEA) nationals or from Switzerland, your spouse, partner and children can join you in the UK without any restrictions.
- If you are an EEA national but your partner, spouse and children are not, they should apply to the UK Visa application centre or Embassy where they are living for an 'EEA family permit' before travelling to the UK.
Accommodation
' . . . the rents are so high here in Oxford . . . '
European student
The University has very little accommodation for families. To rent a suitable family house in Oxford can cost about £1,000 each month, for three bedrooms. You would also have to pay for gas or electricity and water. You will have to pay a deposit and an administration charge before you can move into the house or flat. You can search for examples of houses and flats to rent at Right Move.
Before you sign a contract or pay any money for rent or a deposit, make sure you understand your rights. The Brookes Students' Union Advice Centre offers a free contract checking service for students and important advice on housing.
The Accommodation Office has information about Oxford Brookes accommodation and private letting agencies. Contact them as soon as you know you are coming to Oxford Brookes:
Accommodation Office
Oxford Brookes University
Helena Kennedy Student Centre
Headington
Oxford OX3 0BP
UK
Tel: (+44) 1865 484660
Fax: (+44) 1865 484684
accomm@brookes.ac.uk
www.brookes.ac.uk/studying/accommodation
There are also two private hostels with some rooms and flats for married couples and families. To apply, contact them early as possible:
Commonwealth House
Michael Mowat, Warden
11 Pembroke Street
Oxford OX1 1BP
UK
Tel: (+44) (0) 7906662886
commonwealthhouse@gmail.com
Commonwealth House does not have accommodation for children
North Oxford Overseas Centre
The Administrator
117 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 6JX
UK
Tel: +44 1865 311277
Fax: +44 1865 315891
administrator@nooc.org.uk
Apply using the on-line booking form at www.nooc.org.uk
The Centre only has rooms for children up to nine years of age.
Health care
Your spouse/partner and children can have the same medical care as yourself. For more about health care and insurance for international students and whether you are eligible for free NHS (National Health Service) care see ' Health and insurance' pages 13 -15 of our International Pre-arrival guide.
Childcare
Free schooling is only available for children after they are five years old. You will either have to care for your young children yourself or arrange care for them.
'. . . my daughter was below two years of age when we arrived, the private nurseries were too expensive.'
European student
The University Nursery
Other activities for young children
The Oxford Brookes University Nursery
The University Nursery takes children between the ages of 4 months and 5 years. If you would like your child to go to the Nursery, apply as soon as possible before you arrive. Because you are a student at Oxford Brookes, it does not automatically mean that you will get a place at the Nursery as places are limited.
Information about the Nursery and how much it costs from:
The Nursery and Childcare Services Manager
Oxford Brookes University
Morrell Hall
John Garne Way
Marston
Oxford OX3 0TU
UK
Tel: (+44) 1865 485050
Fax: (+44) 1865 485052
shinkin@brookes.ac.uk you can downlolad an application form from:
www.brookes.ac.uk/student/services/nursery/
Other activities for young children
Information about other nurseries toddler groups, playgroups, and registered childminders is available from:
Oxfordshire Family Information Service
Tel: (+44) 1933 886933
fis.enquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk
- 'toddler groups' are opportunities for parents and young children to meet other families, and share activities. They do not provide childcare.
- 'playgroups' are usually run by paid staff and volunteer parents.
- 'childminders' are paid to care for children, usually in the minder's own home.
School education
'A list of primary schools in Oxford with their telephone numbers, would have been helpful before we left home'
European student
UK law says that children from 5 to 16 years of age must go to school. State education is free. Oxford schools are used to and welcome children from other countries. The school year is divided into 6 terms starting in early September. Although it is easiest for them to settle in if they start at the beginning of a new term, children can usually join their school whenever they arrive in the UK.
Your choice of school will depend on where you are living, the age of your child and the number of places. you can find more information about schools in Oxfordshire and how to apply for a place from:
Oxfordshire County Council
Schools Branch
Macclesfield House
New Road
Oxford OX1 1NA
UK
Tel: (+44) 1865 815757
Fax: (+44) 1865 810609
Email: fis.enquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/schools
' We would have liked . . . some occupation for my wife, not necessarily a job but something to keep her going . . . it took two months before she got friends to share her time with . . . '
European student
If your partner is not confident in using English, they may feel isolated when you are studying. If they join a language course, they can meet new people as well as improving their English. The Oxford Brookes International Centre runs a number of courses. For more details and fees contact:
Oxford Brookes International
Oxford Brookes University
Headington
Oxford OX3 0BP
UK
Tel: (+44) 1865 483874
Fax: (+44) 1865 484377
Email:pathways@brookes.ac.uk
www.brookes.ac.uk/international/pathway
There are also courses at other private language schools in Oxford and at:
Oxford and Cherwell Valley College
Oxpens Road
Oxford OX1 1SA
UK
Tel: (+44) 1865 269269
Fax: (+44) 1865 248871
Email: enquiries@oxford.ocvc.ac.uk
www.ocvc.ac.uk
Study at higher education
If your spouse or children are here as your dependants, they can study full-time or part-time. They would be assessed for fees, under the same rules as you. If you and your spouse are studying at Oxford Brookes at the same time, you can claim 10% discount on your tuition fees. For more information about fees, contact the Student Fees Team email; finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Work for family members
- If you are an EEA national or are from Switzerland, your spouse and children can usually work in the UK without permission. Find out more from the UK Border Agency.
- If you are not an EEA national, your spouse and children (under 18) should be able to work , if you are given leave to enter or remain in the UK for 12 months or more. If your family are travelling to the UK after you, make sure that they have copies of the following documents to show to the Entry Clearance Officer at the visa application centre:
- The page showing your name
- The page showing the sticker or stamp, or your Biometric Residence Permit which says how long you have permission to enter or remain in the UK.
Study skills for older students
If you are an older student and are having difficulties with your studies, because you have not studied for some time, you can talk to the Mature Student Adviser, Jim Pye for advice and counselling.
To make an appointment to see the Mature Student Adviser, contact the Counselling and Advisory Services reception Tel: (+44 1865) 484650 Email: ssrecpt@brookes.ac.uk.
Study skills support is also provided by the Oxford Brookes International Centre, see English language courses and Upgrade
Estimate of living expenses
Financial difficulties are a common source of problems for students with families. The best way to avoid difficulties is to budget carefully before deciding to bring your family to the UK. We estimate that living expenses for one student (excluding tuition fees) are £952 each month (for 2011/12). This will depend on your style of living and how much you have to pay for your accommodation. You need to double this for two adults ( £952 x 2) for each month.
If you are not living in University accommodation your bills will also include utilities (for example, gas or electricity). Remember to add the living costs of any children, which will vary according to their age.
Living costs gives more detail about the estimated amounts for studying at Oxford Brookes
More information
- Oxford for the under-eights is a guide to services for families with young children in Oxford. See the New Parent Network.
