By Chandelle Denne
(Full time student and Mum of 2)
Are you starting university this year as well as taking on the responsibilities and challenges that are at home? Being a student and a parent is hard, but so worth it.
Here are some tips to help you get through this rough patch (which is what it will become…). Juggling kids, school, drop-offs, pick-ups, dinner time, oh and don’t forget to pile of readings and work you’ve got to get through before your mind shuts down for the night.
Here are some handy tips for getting through your first semester as a new parent/student:
- Learn to use a slow cooker
- Get a magnetic weekly calendar for the fridge
- Use post it notes to pre mark all your readings
- Always get a good (or at least 6-7 hours) sleep or you’ll be screwed for the next day
- Get before and after school care if you can
- See if family are willing to help out during STUVAC and exam periods
- It’s OK to give your children happy meals once a week (I pick my biggest day on campus)
- Pre pack your kid’s bags as well as yours the night before
- Budget for textbooks, from like 6 months ago
- Enjoy the nap pod in the library
Parenting can be tough on its own, but being a student at the same time can sometimes take a chaotic turn. Coming into my 2nd year at Hawkesbury, I’m determined to be prepared and ready to tackle this year. I’m also hoping to help along as many parents along the way with tips, advice, meet-ups or simple recipes for hidden vege muffins that your kids will actually eat. So keep an eye out for my top tips.
