Family Life in UK
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Family Life in UK
We understand that it can be difficult sometimes adapting to a new culture and way of life. We want to provide you with as much support as possible in helping you settle into your studies and life in the UK.
There are so many community based support groups that you can link in with on arrival. This will not only provide you with some peer support, but will also give you chance to find out more about the local area.
Sunderland is a diverse city and there are many places of worship that you can access.
Many community based groups organise activities which are sometimes just for young people or can be for a family.
Education and childcare
In the UK children attend school from the September following their fourth birthday. Once you have found long term accommodation you will need to enroll your children into a school. Information on schools can be found in our pre arrival guide with links to the council website for enrolling them.
You may need to access childcare. The pre arrival guide also includes links to local registered childcare providers. This will cost so you will need to budget for this. You should only leave your children with someone known well to you who you trust or who is a registered provider.
Family activities and events
There’s a wide range of family activities in Sunderland which are available for you to access. Some are aimed at school age children only and some are more family based, where parents can participate too.
Getting involved in such community activities will help you to adjust and settle into life in the UK whilst you are studying. They will also give you and your dependents a chance to meet new people and make new friends.
Free activities for those receiving free school meals
For children who are receiving free school meals, there are various free family- based activities which you can reserve and book.
There is more information here on eligibility for free school meals for international students dependents - free school meals
Together for Children provide such family-based activities, usually during weekends and school holidays. These are for children of school age (4-16) and are based around health and fitness.
https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/HAF
Indoor and outdoor activities
If you are looking for indoor and outdoor activities for you and your family this is a good link to find out where in Sunderland offers different activities which you can get involved with.
https://www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/sunderland/places-to-go
Activities range from swimming to exploring outdoor spaces like gardens and parks.
ICOS
ICOS is an organization that is based in Sunderland. They work with internationals and provide opportunities to meet new people, socialize and learn new skills.
This link will take you to their website where you can find more out about the activities they have on offer.
Sunderland Bangladeshi International Centre
This is an organization that provides a space for cultural and social activities. They regularly hold dedicated activities and events aimed at families and children. Please check their website or Facebook page to discover what they have on offer.
Trip Advisor best things to do in Sunderland
You may be looking for some recommendations from others about where is good to visit in Sunderland. Trip Advisor has compiled a variety of places, many which are free, in Sunderland with very positive reviews. Many of the recommendations are free!
Sunderland Culture
Celebrating culture in Sunderland is embraced by our community. In several key places in the city activities are organized in reflection of this celebration. With venues being The National Glass Centre, The Arts Centre in Washington, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and The Fire Station. These events are usually free or have a small cost to them. Many require you to book in advance.
Faith
Sunderland is a multi-faith and diverse city. There are many places of worship from a variety of faiths to choose from. You need to find what feels right for you.
The faith support in the university and in the local community are there to engage with. The aim being to help support you through your studies so that you get the most out of the experience of being here.
It will give you the opportunity to connect with others, not necessarily from your home country. A chance to share stories and support one another.
The university has a Chaplain with close links to various faiths in the local community.
He can assist you should you need help finding a place of worship.
Where to shop?
Sunderland has an array of food shops and restaurants Food shopping
There are various charity shops on the high street alongside national retailers such as Primark and Next.
Close to City Campus is The Bridges shopping centre which houses a wide variety of shops Bridges
There is so much choice for differing budgets.
Our pre arrival guide has even more information about local food and clothing shops