It can be quite difficult to balance personal growth with the practicalities of caring. Studying while caring is not easy, but it is possible and enriching. It gives the carer a different focus and the opportunity to meet with and talk to new people. It also enables the carer to plan for the future.
During my time on the forum, I've responded to several people who have hit issues while studying and would like to offer five points to help others. I've been a university lecturer and I've also been a carer/part-time student. It took me 10 years to complete my studies, but I got there eventually!
My tips:
1. Don't put things off. If you have identified a course that you want to do and have the necessary qualifications, go for it. You will never find the time when everything is 'right'. Life happens!
2. Be aware of the workload and make others around you are aware of it too. Whatever course you do, you will need to read, think and write. You need space and time to do this. Not easy if you keep this to yourself. Tell your caree, family members and social services that it's leading you into new directions that will benefit not just you but everyone around you. Be sure to tell anyone who queries why you are studying that it's a job, not a hobby!
3. Tell some of your fellow students that you are a carer. It will open their eyes and they will be amazed at what you are doing but they will also be in a position to support you emotionally and practically during the course – from collecting handouts when you can’t get to a lecture, to accompanying you to see a tutor if you are feeling shaky.
5. Tell the institution that you are a carer. When you start your course, you should be given the name of a personal tutor and you will meet course tutors. Don't be embarrassed about your situation. Be up-front and keep the tutors in the loop if you are having problems keeping up with the workload, meeting deadlines or attending sessions.
Institutions have regulations and must adhere to these. But they also have a range of students and the regulations are designed to be supportive. The tutors know their way through the regulations and will advise you when to seek ‘extenuating circumstances’ and when to ‘interrupt’ so your grades don’t suffer and what evidence is needed for these claims. Universities also have counselling and support services that you are paying for from your fees and the Students’ Union that will offer other levels of support and guidance.
Good luck!
Juggler
x
During my time on the forum, I've responded to several people who have hit issues while studying and would like to offer five points to help others. I've been a university lecturer and I've also been a carer/part-time student. It took me 10 years to complete my studies, but I got there eventually!
My tips:
1. Don't put things off. If you have identified a course that you want to do and have the necessary qualifications, go for it. You will never find the time when everything is 'right'. Life happens!
2. Be aware of the workload and make others around you are aware of it too. Whatever course you do, you will need to read, think and write. You need space and time to do this. Not easy if you keep this to yourself. Tell your caree, family members and social services that it's leading you into new directions that will benefit not just you but everyone around you. Be sure to tell anyone who queries why you are studying that it's a job, not a hobby!
3. Tell some of your fellow students that you are a carer. It will open their eyes and they will be amazed at what you are doing but they will also be in a position to support you emotionally and practically during the course – from collecting handouts when you can’t get to a lecture, to accompanying you to see a tutor if you are feeling shaky.
5. Tell the institution that you are a carer. When you start your course, you should be given the name of a personal tutor and you will meet course tutors. Don't be embarrassed about your situation. Be up-front and keep the tutors in the loop if you are having problems keeping up with the workload, meeting deadlines or attending sessions.
Institutions have regulations and must adhere to these. But they also have a range of students and the regulations are designed to be supportive. The tutors know their way through the regulations and will advise you when to seek ‘extenuating circumstances’ and when to ‘interrupt’ so your grades don’t suffer and what evidence is needed for these claims. Universities also have counselling and support services that you are paying for from your fees and the Students’ Union that will offer other levels of support and guidance.
Good luck!
Juggler
x