To just follow DMother's advice and drop out of uni?

[FrothyDragon]

(Note, before I start. She was against me going to uni before I had DS. Even more so now he's here, and I'm a single parent, trying to juggle this on my own)

I recently took a year out of university for a number of reasons. The past few months, I've worked my backside off to get myself back into a fit state for uni; volunteering, getting DS into nursery, getting myself into a study ethic.

Last week, I had the information pack for enrolling on the second year emailed to me. I'm in the process of trying to choose the modules for the free choice options, and wondering how the hell I'm going to manage this. Most modules seem to start at 9am. There's a breakfast club that starts at 8am at the school I put down as DS's first choice. But even then, it gives me an hour to travel the 24 miles to university (I don't drive, nor fly, nor do I own a TARDIS, despite multiple proposals to Matt Smith) Even if I get there on time for a leture/seminar, I then have to get back to DS's school for lunchtime (damn half days) and have no idea how I'm going to manage this.

WIBU to ask if anyone can turn me into WonderWoman? Or should I just do as DMother suggests, take the credits from first year, and just accept it's never going to happen? :(

Is the OU an option Frothy?

No harm asking though, surely, cory?

Of course not, Doom. As long as you accept that it may not be possible. And that individual lecturers are not in charge of the timetabling.

Oh, sorry, no, I'm not the OP! I was just suggesting the OP shouldn't feel put off asking, because while some universities/courses may be inflexible, others may not.

You could find a childminder?

a childminder could start earlier and collect DS at lunchtime for you.

You can make it clear with the childminder that it is only on a temporary basis till he starts school full time. etc.

Please don't give up on uni it will be great for you esp as you're a single parent.

You are not being unreasonable to continue with your course whatsoever.

However, logistically, it isn't going to work with you so far from uni and using a pre-school with half days. By the time you are going to get there (9.30 on a good day, perhaps, but what about the traffic?) you are going to have to come back at lunchtime (setting off at 11-12?). We have lectures at our university from 9-6 and also over lunchtimes, scheduling is tight and there is no way that the course timetable could be changed (I'm guessing this would be the case for most big unis).

You do need to be nearer the uni, esp. if you don't drive (if you can find any way to learn to drive, perhaps even take an automatic test, not a manual as it's quicker to learn for this, it would be much easier).

You need to get a good structure in place, because you have to factor in the unexpected stuff too, such as child being ill, you being ill, transport not working/being late. You may end up taking a few days off through this, if you also are late every day and have to leave early, it's just not feasible and you will get behind and then start to feel even worse. You need to be able to drop your child and get to uni on time as a starting point.

Sorry if I sound negative, but living 24 miles away, without a car, with a child only in half-days, it just doesn't all add up. BUT, you can make it add up by changing some of these things now so it will all work better.

I totally encourage you to go to the welfare/student support for parents, there will be an office at your university who deals with this, they will help you see childcare options etc as well. Good luck.

Is there any chance you could do any modules by correspondence ? Thats what I do - and it's pretty full on (spent every night last fortnight doing work) but it means less stress re DC's/school etc . . sorry haven't read all the replies so sorry if this has been already suggested. Or, do you have to do it full time ? maybe go part time ?
Good luck BTW - and if you go onto the universities website there should be a student parent's support group with study rooms etc where you can take DC's if need be, and also maybe a facebook group.
Good luck !

Make it work! You will regret not doing it.

Can you get an access to learning grant to pay for the wrap-around care of your son? Try contacting the finance department of your uni to see what assistance is available.

A childminder before and after uni is 1definitely the way to go. I'm sure it won't matter if you turn up a little late/leave a little earlier on occasions. You should have a learning contract that sometimes stipulates minimum attendance in order to pass, most students don't attend every single lecture or they roll in late.

Distance learning is an option too, you will be able to do a credit transfer so nothing is lost.

I was a single mum student. My personal tutor was brilliant and allowed me to arrive slightly late to accomodate my childcare arrangements. The class still started on time s no one else was put out but I was more than willing to catch up. Talk to your tutor or advocate. They will not want you to leave and if it's anything like where I now work will do whatever they can to help. It seems so so hard now but is worth it long term.

Contact Welfare Officer of Students' Union for advice
Any chance of child-care swap with other students with different timetable?

Is learning to drive a possibility? If not, I agree that moving seems the best option. Explore all the avenues of support that the uni offers.

Definitely don't give up! It will all pay off in the end, and you're setting an amazing example to your DS about the value of education.