Partners and Families at Churchill
”If you plan on coming to Cambridge with a partner and/or a family, Churchill is the right place for you. Being surrounded by like-minded people who have kids and can relate to your concerns as a young academic balancing research and family life goes a long way. Plus by the time you are through your tenure in Cambridge, you child will have been surrounded by peers from virtually every corner of the world and you are in the position to plan intercontinental play dates with the friends you made there.”
- Roman, PhD student, Wolfson Flats
Bringing Partners / Families
Churchill College is a wonderful place to bring your family while you study. We have 20 studio flats, ideal for couples, and 20 maisonettes which are designed for students with up to two children. Our accommodation page provides an insight into what they are like, and what it’s like living here as a postgraduate.
If you are coming to Cambridge with an established domestic partner and/or children you should notify the Churchill Postgraduate Office as the College may need to make additional administrative arrangements. Please email postgrad.admissions@chu.cam.ac.uk in the first instance.
Our family accommodation provides students with an international parent and partner support network, not to mention a ready-made group of playmates for your children! Children and partners are welcome in the dining hall at self-service meals and the College will help provide facilities for family events. The MCR has a Families Officer on its committee.
Our tutors for postgraduates are familiar with the particular needs of students with partners and families. Students can request a College card for their partner, on their College account, which will give the partner access to many College facilities.
If you or your partner discovers that you are expecting a child during your time as a student, you should inform your tutor. There are at least three nurseries within walking distance from College, and there are registered childminders, who look after children in their own home, as options for childcare.
Childcare
Churchill is partnered with the Wolfson Court nursery located opposite the College on Madingley Road. Churchill students and staff have a priority on places, so if you apply, you should state your connection to the College. To apply for a place, please see their webpage.
There are also four University Nurseries and students can apply to all of them. Two are close to Churchill College – West Cambridge and Eddington nurseries. You can find out more and apply for a place here.
The University’s Childcare Services oversees the facilities and assistance offered to students with dependent children. There are four University Nurseries students can apply for a place at, a Holiday Playscheme and an Information Service. There is financial support for eligible students towards OFSTED-registered childcare costs from the Childcare Support Fund. To find out more please visit their website.
Students who pay for OFSTED-registered childcare can apply to the University’s Childcare Support Fund for financial support towards their childcare costs.  There are eligibility criteria to be met and all applications must be signed by your tutor. All Colleges contribute to this fund. Further information and the application forms can be found here.
