Single Mum Uni Success?

[ChewyNugget]

I'm a single mum and wanting to desperately get back into education. I've booked an open day at my local university to have a nosey around. Unfortunately as well as an access course I will also have to complete my Maths GCSE - so I feel like I have an absolute mountain to climb.

I'm currently 28, I have a almost 6 month old daughter, father has never been involved (his choice) but I do have a great family support network from my parents etc. I know going back to schools going to be a juggling act but I don't want to spend the rest of my life on benefits or equally in a dead end job. I want to work hard to be an inspiration to my daughter.

Have any single parents gone back to school to better themselves and actually succeeded? Completed their degree and landed the job of their dreams?

I'd really like to hear some inspiring stories...

I did an access course then went to uni. My husband died at the beginning of the year so I’ve been doing it by myself. It’s hard work, but very doable depending on what degree you study? You will get the full maintenance loan and childcare costs covered by student finance. A lot of unis have a financial hardship bursary you can apply for each year too.
I also work part time on days I don’t have to go in so my life’s I pretty hectic but it will be worth it in the end. Good luck! The time will fly.

@MonstranceClock

How inspiring! You are an absolute trooper and I am so sorry for your loss.

Well my local university centre is accredited by Anglia Ruskin University and they have FINALLY brought the Midwifery degree from the Cambridge Campus to the campus here so that's what I'm aiming to enrol on. I've booked for the open day also. I know midwifery and nursing are incredibly full on degrees but it has to be done.

Best of luck to you also!

Im not a single mum, but achieved a 2.1 in mental health nursing. I left school with no qualifications, had my daughter young, loads of jobs, then started the access course, the got into uni. Felt a massive sence of pride.

@bellalou1234

That's fantastic and sounds incredibly similar to the route I'm taking. Well done you!

How intense was the degree?

To be honest, i found the access course harder than the actual degree. I found there to be much more support at uni and the facilities are better, always preferred being on placement than in uni, i also worked all the way through on the nurse bank

I just graduated with a 2.1. I have dyslexia, a ten year old with autism and I am solo. You can do it.

As long as you can get childcare for the shift work you’ll be fine!

If you haven’t got a C grade in English or maths, it is free to take a course an resit them at a college! (I am FE lecturer). You can find a college that will let you resist GCSE whilst doing Access. I have taught many single parents in your position and have no doubt it will change your life for the better. It is never too late - do it now before you get older! X