Single Parents Who Study

[katrinab]

Hi! I am a single mum to a 5 month old baby and would really love to study a Uni course via Distance Education. I am really not sure how I would handle/cope with it though and am interested to hear of anyone else's experiences who might be studying.

[Cheryl]

Hi Katrinab, I have a 5 year old. I am studying fulltime towards a double degree. My first year of study in 2005 has been a huge juggling act with my son in daycare and kindy but somehow I have managed to get through. I actually finished this year with the best results out of all of those in my course. I suppose because I stayed focused while others in my course got caught up in the party scene. Been there, done that. Anyway, its hard to have a social life when you have a young child. I cannot talk to you about external study but would presume that there would be more time needed to read as you would not have lectures. Have you thought about studying both by external and on campus, uni's are very flexible these days and that way you could still be involved in lectures and study groups. I can only recommend that you study, its the best move I have ever made (besides having my child). Goodluck!

[annelouf]

Hi, I have a 7 year old, and I started studying a business degree when she was coming up to 1 year old. Best decision I ever made, it gives you something to aim toward. Some semesters I have done 1 unit, and some I have done 4 units. One semester I didn't do any because my daughter kept getting sick! I finish my degree at the end of this year, and really, 6 years sounds like a lot, but it has gone by so quickly.

[becschasebaby]

hi all,

my pregnancy was very unexpected. this year is meant to be my final year at uni, doing a social work degree, and now bubby is coming right smack bang in the middle!
so my plan is to still get it done, i am going full time first semester (four units) and bubby will be born then i am going to attempt three units second semester, bubby will be about 6 weeks when i go back. do you guys think this is crazy? i think i am being a little naive. i was meant to do a four month placement this year but am putting that off till next year now and doing it part time and then i only have two more units than finished! i am hoping it will all work out, and i think it will be good to have somethig other than child to think and worry about. i have heard your world becomes consumed with bubbies once you have one.
studying isnt really too hard if you are good at gettings things done, and out of everyone in my uni class it is the parents that do it the best, cause they seem to be the most organised - i suppose you have to when you need to fit in the work around the child. i am hoping this will happen to me when i have a child.

well, good luck!

[katrinab]

Hi Bec

Thanks for your input. I too, will be studying a Social Work Degree but am only just starting it now with a 6 month old baby and as a single parent. Doing this part time is going to take me 8 years!!!! But the way I was looking at it was that it is going to give me some outside stimulation and something solid to have when Dylan is off to school.

Good on you for pushing forward and continuing your degree. Yes, when a baby comes along they really do consume your life but the "theory" I am working on is that if I keep as organised and motivated as I can it should work ok. And I do believe that you can achieve whatever it is that you put your mind to.

All the best with the remainder of your pregnancy, birth and study. ;)

[Veritas]

Hi Katrina,

Whilst I can't comment on the managing kids and study just yet (Due 30th July with my first, and also very unexpected but much loved, little one), I can say I love external study.

I have just started my second semester of a Business degree externally, and am loving it.... The advantage is you can chose how many subjects you want to do each semester, pick an extra up when you feel up to it, drop down one when you need to, and also you can study any time of the day.... or night.... your not locked into any time schedules, other than assesments... that gives you the added opportunity to put in the extra work and skip ahead if you want to too... because you have all of the course material in front of you....

I have been working full time, a treasurer for a local sporting club and studying part time for the past six months, and as long as you are organised and committed it doesn't get on top of you!