ABOUT THIS BLOG

Hey! My name is Kat, I'm a single mum to my delightful baby (and his dog brother). I'm also a second-year BA student studying Sociology and Psychology. It's a handful.

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I found out I was pregnant a month into starting an Access Course that I took after deciding I wanted to go back to education. I was single and not in the best financial position but I made a decision that I couldn't give up either my academic future or my baby so I chose both. Not only that, I doubled down on my studies, graduated with the maximum UCAS points possible and was awarded the Access Student of the Year Award for my college, My gorgeous son was born 5 days after I finished my last assignment and just over 4 months later, half-awake, I started my university degree. Fast forward to now, I've just finished my first year and I have a thriving 11-month-old, firsts in everything, a mostly clean house and mental health that is relatively intact. Was it a mad decision to start a degree when I was still waking up 5 times a night? Totally nuts. Is it tough? Yep. I'm not too proud to admit I've cried a lot. Is it possible? Yes. 

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I ran into a lot of issues trying to figure out how I could make this balance achievable and sustainable and unfortunately, there are so many financial, social, time and energy barriers that student parents are faced with. I have not figured these all out but I've learned a lot so far and continue to do so. I want to share what I have learned to give helpful tips about managing a study/parenting balance and signpost support I come across to help other student parents and to encourage those thinking about returning to education to do it. And who knows, maybe along the way we can build a community and learn together.

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Kat xx