2 weeks into MSc and struggling

[Usernamqwerty]

I have two children aged 3 and 5, in full-time childcare. I am commuting 90-100 minutes an average of 3 days a week to Uni (rest online). It's a healthcare degree with lots of classes / contact time with lots of prep to do, plus coursework and exams over the coming months.

I am super tired and just struggling to find time to relax. I also have a disability which affects my energy levels which doesn't help 😔. I am registered with the University disability team. Husband works long hours and I do nearly all the housework and life admin.

Any ideas on things I can do to make things easier?

Thanks for reading x

That sounds really tough.

Hi! How about hiring someone to clean? Also, get some ready meals in the fridge just for emergencies. Another tip is to try and do some work on your commute if you can. If you’re driving maybe take the train?

Sorry I posted too soon. That is a huge workload and commute with children so small and everything else going on.
Is it a 4 year course?
Will your job ultimately be the same lengthy commute as the university is?
Will you be going on work placements?
Have you spoken to the disability team about doing more of the course online if you can’t make it in?

Move closer to the university, with family.

Honestly I did a degree last year, no kids. No commuting, it was knackering. Respect if you manage all that plus kids plus long commute and disability.

Can it be done part time?

Well that's waaay too much of a commute, I honestly don't know how you can manage it with two young children. I assume you're doing it as a part time MSc over two years?

Thanks for all your responses 😊.

It's 2 years full-time. I am considering maybe getting a cleaner. Commute is drive, walk, train, walk, Tube, walk. I have started doing a bit of work on the train as I pick up the kids at 5:30ish and then they are in bed around 7:30/8 and I struggle to get anything done with them around and am too tired to do anything after they go to bed 😴

Also the last few weeks have been tough as my youngest has been falling unwell with various things so I've been looking after her a lot as well as trying to study... This will hopefully improve in time as she builds up her immune system 😬

We can't move unfortunately due to work commitments. Plus we couldn't afford it...

@3luckystars

Sorry I posted too soon. That is a huge workload and commute with children so small and everything else going on. Is it a 4 year course? Will your job ultimately be the same lengthy commute as the university is? Will you be going on work placements? Have you spoken to the disability team about doing more of the course online if you can’t make it in?

Thanks Stars. It's 2 years. When I get a job it will be closer, yes. Yes, 4 placements over 2 years and have requested them as close to home as possible (will probably end up in North London, which is fine). No, I haven't suggested doing more online. Wonder if this might be an option though 🤔

I'm in a similar situation op but just going in to my second year so hopefully can give you some advice. We have a cleaner once a fortnight. Makes a huge difference had to budget for it from other areas but worth it. We've also been doing one of those meal box kit subscriptions for the 3 days I'm at uni so everyone is fed well. You can get a student discount and it stops me impulse shopping so whilst it seems expensive it hasn't added to our overall food bill. My oh works full time and is often away, howevr when he is home I am making sure he pulls his weight, I think before he just didn't realise how much I was doing but when I spelt it outnhe quickly stepped up.Also to reassure you that on my similar sounding course everyone is still there this year..you can do this!

Oh an actually when I was on placement it was actually easier as it was nearer home and more flexible hours wise (if I had a poorly child I just made the hours up later)

@Clareyck

I'm in a similar situation op but just going in to my second year so hopefully can give you some advice. We have a cleaner once a fortnight. Makes a huge difference had to budget for it from other areas but worth it. We've also been doing one of those meal box kit subscriptions for the 3 days I'm at uni so everyone is fed well. You can get a student discount and it stops me impulse shopping so whilst it seems expensive it hasn't added to our overall food bill. My oh works full time and is often away, howevr when he is home I am making sure he pulls his weight, I think before he just didn't realise how much I was doing but when I spelt it outnhe quickly stepped up.Also to reassure you that on my similar sounding course everyone is still there this year..you can do this!

Oh brilliant, good to know 😁. Well done!

@Clareyck

Oh an actually when I was on placement it was actually easier as it was nearer home and more flexible hours wise (if I had a poorly child I just made the hours up later)

Sounds fab 😁

There's a new board for Mature Students and retraining! Come on over everyone is really friendly and lots of us are in the same boat, juggling commuting, kids and studying.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

[quote ChocolateCauldron]There's a new board for Mature Students and retraining! Come on over everyone is really friendly and lots of us are in the same boat, juggling commuting, kids and studying.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students[/quote]
Perfect, thanks!