Aibu to think this is impossible (uni related)

[UrbanDecay]

I don't want to say what the degree is but it's something I've always wanted to do , have the necessary entry requirements and will lead into a career .

I'm a single parent of 4 and would need to move some 250 miles away to the uni I've been accepted to . I have no family support where I am and where I would be living there would be a few relatives who would possibly help out with childcare occasionally. I live up north atm where housing is cheap and we'd be moving to a much more expensive area .
Would this be madness ? I'm currently unemployed and could only ever work in minimum wage jobs if I don't do this degree - I've studied hard at college as a mature student to meet the entry requirements.

I want to create a better life for me and my kids but I know there's going to be a hard few years of scrimping and saving even more than now , plus the whole upheaval of moving down the country alone with four children is a scary prospect . Would it be madness to accept the offer from uni and go for it ??

I suppose the aibu is am I being unreasonable in being worried about whether this would be the right thing to do or not ?

OP Please please talk to your university. Explain your situation and difficulties. Ask about accommodation, childcare, bursaries, scholarships you could apply for. You shouldn't be paying anything in student fees anyway, just living expenses, but the form re student fees to negate paying is endless.

Good luck and well done for getting the place. And keep chasing the CSA.

be starting as NHS band 5 which is £23k and expecting to progress to band 6 which starts at £28

£23k isn't a high enough wage to support an adult, four children and childcare that requires shifts. Three years of scraping by, moving them, relying on family for an extra £7k is extreme (given full time min wage is approx £16k a year). You could find a job that you could work your way up in for that difference if you tried.

That's assuming you walk straight into a job and can afford the childcare needed for it.

DO IT

I did an access course last year. Moved last summer for Uni when DC were 10/7/2. Single parent.

I’m doing a STEM degree. Uni have been amazing when DC have been off sick and I’ve had no emergency childcare etc.

Just. Do. It.

I have nothing helpful/useful to add but can I just say you sound like an amazing lady. Bringing up 4 kids on your own, studying and trying to improve all of your lives.
I hope Uni works out for you one way or another because you are a real inspiration to your children.
Good luck OP

Do it!! I did similar about 8 years ago when I moved 350 miles with my dc and went to uni. It was hard as a single parent with a part time job but I did it and it has changed our life. I got the full student loan, a couple of bursaries and uni paid for childcare! I also didn't have to pay council tax. Didn't qualify for housing benefit as I bought my house but if you are renting that might be another question to ask.

I think it really depends on the course so it's difficult to advise without knowing really. Even with NHS degrees, placements differ so much across the disciplines. Midwifery and nursing are definitely shift based but most nursing students I know do 3 long days a week which cuts down on childcare IF you can get cover for a 12 hour shift. Radiography placements are 9-5 Mon-Fri (or thereabouts) with a half day or full day for study per week, at least for the first 2 years. I'm not sure about other allied health professions such as physiotherapy, occupational health, diatetics etc but I'm sure other posters can help with these!

Anyway congratulations on your offer, I'm a mature student on an NHS course and I know how competitive it is. I also did a humanities degree when my children were tiny and so know how very very different a standard degree is from an NHS vocational one. Those 10-12 hour contact time weeks and 30 week academic years seem like halcyon days now tbh!

It's tough, it's going to take bloody hard work, tears, exhaustion, feeling like a crap parent (you won't be) but if you want it you can do it. As for salary, I train with people who have made band 7 after 3 years in my discipline, there are some major staff shortages out there and if you are good you can go far.

All the best!

I’m guessing this is midwifery. If you are not already on it, then get on Facebook and join Secret Community for Midwives in the Making. You will get a huge amount of info from past and present students and a realistic view of what it’s like to study.
It’s a tough degree, you need solid childcare in place to cover the early/ late/ night shifts and also need time to study aswell.
It’s definitely doable, but you’ll need plenty of practical and emotional support.
Best of luck!

Could you not reapply to the closest universities next year?
I
The admission tutors tend to remember the same names and see it as a positive and that it’s someth you obviously want to do!

Will you actually be working nights? I say this as I am applying next year for what I think your course is and we do 3 years of placement but always 9-5 Monday to Friday

Also if it is the course I am applying for you should definitely do it - staff shortages mean you will never be unemployed, will be able to develop professionally and provide a great life for your kids.

And congrats on getting in!!!