Uni + Pregnancy = ?
It won’t be on your A-levels or your end-of-year exams, but suddenly this question is on your mind – what does it mean to be pregnant at uni? Is it even possible?
It certainly is! You may have heard that pregnant students always drop out, or it’s just impossible to do well if you’re pregnant or a mother. Huh. Tell that to all the successful student mums in higher education!
From first-years to finalists, there is support and protection for anyone pregnant at university. This includes tweaked timetables, deadline extensions, government grants, childcare help, time off for pregnancy, and maternity leave. Your university is legally responsible for giving you the support you need so you can truly thrive as a university student.
When you first tested pregnant, university might have been your number one thought. Or it might have been one question out of hundreds. Life has a team of listeners you can talk to for free, over text, email or phone. We give you a confidential space to explore your emotions and your options, free from judgment or outside pressure.
Telling Your University
Sometimes people assume that it’s just too much to be pregnant at uni, what with doctor’s appointments, fatigue, classes and assignments.
Yes, pregnancy does have scans and antenatal appointments, but if you notify your university, they’ll do everything they can to give you the necessary support, from extending deadlines to appointment leave.
The very first step is to inform your subject department, usually through your personal tutor. If this is particularly nerve-wracking, you can reach out to your university’s mental health and wellbeing services. They can give advice and guidance, and it’s a good way to start the conversation if you don’t yet have a tutor.
Sitting Down with Your Personal Tutor
Once you’ve told your department, your tutor will sit down with you. Together you can look at the year’s deadlines, field trips, labs, and exams, and see how they’ll tie in with your pregnancy calendar.
If you want to earn extra brownie points, you can get ahead by calculating your due date before the meeting. From there, you can figure out when you’re at risk of feeling more fatigued, and jot down dates for your antenatal appointments.
What if your due date’s during term time? Not a problem! It’s a legal requirement to have at least two weeks off after giving birth, and most unis will let you take up to a year before resuming your studies. Plenty of students take time out, whether it’s to do an internship, travel, give birth, or something else entirely.
Unis are very good at working around their students’ needs. Labs can be delayed and deadlines extended, exams moved and rest breaks factored in. Your tutor will come up with a strategic plan of action, tailored to you.
Student Finance
That’s your classes sorted, but what about the more mundane things? What about money?
Unless your household income is very high, you’ll get student finance loans to help with living costs. However, if you’re an undergrad and your child will live with you when they’re born , you’re entitled to extra help on top of your loan. In England, this is the Parents Learning Allowance, a sum of money never to be paid back. You can apply for this when you make your normal application to student finance.
In addition, you can get Child Benefit, the amount paid to all parents supporting a child. It’s £24 per week* for your first child, paid every four weeks until that child reaches 16. If they follow in your footsteps and stay in approved education, you can keep receiving it until they’re 19 or even 20!
If you’re pregnant at uni or a university mum, you might also be entitled to other benefits, such as maternity grants, maternity pay, free prescriptions, and NHS dental treatment.
That said, money can still feel daunting, especially if you’ve not really dealt with it before. Our listeners are there to help you explore all aspects of pregnancy, including finance.
Help With Childcare
University is full of lectures, seminars, projects, and practicals, each a great opportunity to connect with classmates and make new friends. While you’re discussing Shakespeare or getting stuck into coding, your child will need to be cared for, whether that’s through nursery, crèche, or a childminder.
When you’re studying as a parent, the government will give you some form of help for the cost of childcare. For example, if you get student finance and you live in England, you’re eligible for a Childcare Grant, which can pay for up to 85% of childcare costs*!
Scotland and Wales have their own equivalents, plus alternatives to the Parents Learning Allowance.
Most universities have a nursery or crèche on campus, making it super easy to drop off your child before your studies and pick them up on your way home.
Talking of home, get in touch with your university’s accommodation office. Many universities own their own accommodation, and some have family flats ideal for student parents.
Socialising
New friends, new town, new activities … A sparkling social life is one of university’s great attractions.
Life looks a little different when you’re pregnant at uni. Clubbing isn’t on the cards, but you can still enjoy the excitement of hanging out with new friends.
Not every student craves a crazy night out, and there are plenty of people who are funny, adventurous, interesting, and kind, who’d prefer dinner and mocktails to a night out on the town.
If you’re not sure where to start, try joining a society. From chocolate and bad films to anime and manga, there are societies for every hobby, activity, interest, or quirk. Check out your university and see what they have going!
What if you’re no longer pregnant at uni, but are a student mum?
You might want to invite your friends to your accommodation for a fun night in. If you fancy hosting a social or having date night, there are heaps of ideas online – virtual game nights while your baby sleeps, or a movie night with a takeaway treat.
Conclusion
Uni + pregnancy = what you make it. Millions of women have proved to be good parents and excellent students.
Want to explore your thoughts and feelings surrounding your pregnancy? You can talk to our team of gentle listeners by:
- Calling 0808 802 5433
- Texting 07860 077 33
- Emailing help@lifecharity.org.uk
You can also explore our Surprise Pregnancy blogs, which ask and answer many questions about being unexpectedly pregnant.
To find out more about Life and what we do, visit our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
*Amounts are accurate in December 2023
