Whether you become pregnant over the course of your studies, or are already a parent and would like some more information and support about navigating University life with children, we've put together a helpful guide to support you throughout your time at the University of Reading.
We would also recommend checking out the Student Parental Policy for additional information and advice on what to do if you become pregnant over the course of your degree.
Please also remember our Student Wellbeing Teams are here to support you throughout your student journey, and are here to listen to any worries or personal issues you might be experiencing.
Support available during pregnancy:
If you become pregnant during your degree course it’s important to speak to your GP first, to ensure you are getting the medical support and information you need.
It’s also important to let your Academic Tutor know, and/or the School/Department Director of Academic Tutoring, or your School Director of Postgraduate Research studies if you are a doctoral researcher. They will be able to help you make plans for our course of study and examination, as well as ensure that any special measures to ensure the safety of you and your child are in place, and accommodate medical appointments you may have.
Whether or not you decide to continue with your pregnancy is your choice. If you decide to terminate your pregnancy, you do not need to tell any staff or students at the University about this if you do not want to. If you are away from classes you may wish to let your Academic Tutor know that you will be away for 'medical reasons'. If your studies are disrupted to the extent of impacting your academic performance you may wish to consider applying for Assessment Adjustment accommodations.
It's normal to feel lots of different emotions, and it's important to take time to look after yourself and your wellbeing during this time. Our University Welfare Team are also available if you would like to talk to someone during this process, and are able to offer emotional support. You can also access support via the 24hr Student Support Helpline, which offers in-the-moment advice and out of hours support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is also support and help resources available from the NHS.
You will also need to plan with your School the impact of your pregnancy on your course of study. You may decide to continue with your studies, and your School will need to work with you to make reasonable adjustments, and you are also entitled to interrupt your course of study because of pregnancy. It is important to make a plan to take account both of the academic requirements of your study programme and your needs as a pregnant mother. You will need to plan according to your individual circumstances and the timing of the academic year.
You can find out more about the options you have to continue, or take a break from, your studies during your pregnancy in the University’s Student Parental Policy.
If you do suspend your programme of study you must let your School know when you wish to return (subject to the University’s general rules on the length of any suspension) and plan with your Academic Tutor or Supervisor the optimum timetable for your re-integration into your programme of study, including the examination schedule. You can find out more about the process of returning to your students in the University’s Student Parental Policy.
You may also find returning to study a bit of an adjustment, and its normal to feel a mixture of emotions. To help you navigate this time it’s often helpful to talk to someone, our Student Wellbeing Teams are able to offer emotional support.
When supporting a partner during pregnancy it can sometimes be easy to overlook your own needs, and reach out for support when you are experiencing mental health problems. We encourage you to speak to a member of our Student Wellbeing Teams, who can support you during this time and talk through the challenges you may be experiencing. The Mental Health Charity Mind website also highlights support available to partners, and advice on how to support loved ones who are pregnant or have a new baby.
If you have also experienced unexpected circumstances during the course of your partners pregnancy, or childbirth, and this is affecting your studies you should talk to your Academic Tutor so they are able to support you. The University’s Assessment Adjustment policy is also available if you feel this is impacting your assessments and exams, you may have to provide appropriate evidence from your partner’s doctor as evidence of this.
Support available if you have children:
A purpose built nursery on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, and is part of Reading Students’ Union. The nursery is available for children aged from three months to five years and is staffed by a team of experienced and professional childcare practitioners.
The nursery is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday. Call 0118 378 4128 or email nursery@readingsu.co.uk to get in contact, or find out more and enquire via the Little Learners Nursery website.
Further information on childcare options available in Reading, including nurseries, childminders and after-school/breakfast clubs is provided on the Reading Borough Council Childcare website.
The University of Reading’s campuses are a community space and open to members of the public to enjoy. You are welcome to explore campus with your babies and children. The Harris Gardens offer lovely green spaces to walk around.
The University’s Museum of English Rural Life hosts child friendly activity sessions throughout the year, including Friday Fledgling outdoor learning and Green Explorers sessions.
In the Reading Students’ Union the spaces and shops are child friendly, and the Uni-Cuts hairdressers also offers children’s haircuts.
The Library also offers a welcoming space for students with children and caring responsibilities. Before taking your children to the library, we strongly recommend reviewing the Library’s Family Facilities webpages for more information about their risk assessments, key information and rules, and the priority family study spaces and breastfeeding spaces available.
There are also lots of children friendly events that take place on campus throughout the year such as the Community Festival and Annual Children’s lecture. You can find out more about these events on the Me@Reading student events portal. If you are unsure whether or not an event is suitable for children, please email the event organiser to ask them.
If you have young children, you may also find that bringing your children to campus helps them understand why you need to spend time studying.
Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Library Foyer: G25
he Parents' Room (G25 in the Library Foyer) provides a private and comfortable space for staff and students, who are working or studying on campus whilst breastfeeding, to express milk or feed their baby. The room is furnished with a nursing chair and small fridge where breastmilk can be stored. Plug sockets are available for use with electric pumps and there are hand washing facilities.
Access is by swipe card which can be signed out from the Library reception desk. You can find more information about the Library’s family facilities on the Library website.
London Road: L22, first floor CD201
This is a multi-purpose space and is also used as a quiet/prayer room. Access to this room does not need to be arranged in advance.
Earley Gate: 1U02, Meteorology building
Access to this room does not need to be arranged in advance.
There are benefits and financial support available to UK students from the Government, including child benefit and support with childcare costs. You can find out more and check what benefits and support you may be entitled to on the gov.uk website.
The Student Financial Support Team and Reading Students’ Union Advice Team can also help talk to you about any money worries you may be experiencing, and help signpost you towards any bursaries from the University who may be eligible to apply for.
If you are an International Student, we recommend booking an appointment with the International Advisory Team to answer any questions you may have about your visa conditions.
You can also find lots of advice for International Students with children on the International Students website.
You are welcome to bring your little one to the Newcomers' Group. A supportive and welcoming community where family members of UK and international students and staff at the University of Reading can meet informally on Thursday mornings 10:30am – 12noon in Reading Chaplaincy Centre, during semester time.
The group provides an opportunity for dependents and families of UK and international students and staff, often very far from home, to meet others in a similar situation. It is completely free, and coffee, tea and biscuits are available.
Visit the Newcomers Facebook page to find out more or email: w.newcomers-group@reading.ac.uk.
Wellbeing support available:
The University Wellbeing Teams can offer you emotional support, you can find information on booking an appointment on Essentials.
The Wisdom Wellbeing app connects you to free confidential support via live chat or video call day or night.
Download the app
You can download the Wisdom app for free on the Apple or Google Play stores.
To login to the app:
Wellbeing Wisdom app unique code: MHA268185
Username for online portal: reading
Password for online portal: university
Alternatively you can call free on 0800 023 2466 quoting the UoR code: MHA268185
If you're experiencing a mental health problem in pregnancy or after having a baby – you aren't alone. Services and organisations exist to support you. Find out about perinatal mental health support and services available on the Mind website.
Sadly, sometimes pregnancy can go wrong. You may have a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, birth trauma or the death of the baby. If your pregnancy ends in this way, you will need both information and support, you can find out more about this on the NHS website.