Getting into education as a single parent

If you’re already studying, you might already have a good idea of how busy your schedule is. You might also have a rough idea of what you need to do each day to keep up with your studies and everything going on at home. However, as a single parent student, it’s really important not to neglect yourself and your mental health.

• Talk to other students, but also to other single parents. It’s great if you’ve managed to make some new connections with other students, but don’t forget to keep in touch with single parents like yourself too. It can be really helpful to keep in touch with a support network of other individuals dealing with similar worries and stresses. They may be able to help you if you start to feel overwhelmed and need to talk. They might even have some helpful solutions.
• Ask for help from friends and family. Take up any offers of help, and try not to be hard on yourself. It’s hard enough juggling all of the responsibilities you have as a single parent, never mind also taking on the extra challenges that come with studying.
• Make use of the mental health resources at the place you study, whether it’s a university, college or training facility. Educational institutions in Scotland offer support to students who might be in need of it. Get in touch with your student advisor or student support services to find out more.
• Talk to your tutors and student advisors about the difficulties you may be facing. Whether you feel emotionally burnt out, overwhelmed by your workload or simply want to talk to someone, there are support options in place.
• Have a few ideas up your sleeve about how you will manage if a child is sick or if there’s some sort of pressing deadline coming up. Is there anyone you can call on at short notice? Are you able to catch up on your studies in the evenings when the children are in bed?
• If you’re under pressure, talk to your children and explain what’s going on for you. But avoid taking your stress out on your children: give them time and connect with them.

Useful links

• Student Information Scotland has a useful ‘support finder’ tool, where you can search for the name of your college or university to find the support options available to you.
• Remember you’re not alone. There are groups for single parents in most areas. Have a look at our local service pages on our website. 
• Have a look at the mental health resources for students from Think Positive.
• YoungMinds has a useful page about dealing with exam stress.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? A career that you fancied but didn’t have the chance to go for it? Is there a skill you have or something that you’re passionate about that you would like to learn more about?

Investing some time in a course, however short, could make your CV stronger and open up opportunities.

There are all sorts of possibilities. You may be able to get a grant to do it.

• As a taster, you might want to try a short course in something you’re interested in to get used to this type of learning.
• Think about online courses (including Open University, universities and colleges). You may be able to save on childcare costs if you can study when the children are at school. Some colleges have on-site childcare.
• You may prefer to attend classes in person rather doing an online course if it’s a practical course or you want to meet other students. You might be someone who prefers learning in a classroom to learning online.

Useful links

• You could expand your knowledge and gain qualifications by doing an online course with the Open University. If your income is less than £25,000 a year or you’re on certain benefits you could be eligible for part-time fee grant.
• You can find lots of free online courses through the National Careers Service, Future Learn or, for an intro to digital skills, LearnMyWay 
• Skills Development Scotland can give up to £200 towards training courses. You can find out how to apply for an Individual Training Account and see the list of courses here.
• You can find out about further education courses and colleges on Parentzone.
• The Scottish Funding Council website has information on colleges throughout Scotland, including links to college websites. Look up your local college to find out about part-time, full-time and evening courses.
• Here’s a UCAS guide to choosing a course and searching for university courses by topic.
• UCAS also has information on support as a student with parenting responsibilities.
• Centre of Excellence is a commercial company that runs flexible online courses.
• Qtrain is a commercial company which offers SVQs in childcare. 
• SAMH has a guide on ‘coping with student life’, which has some advice which may be helpful for supporting your mental health while studying.
• See our information on financial help in higher education and how being in full-time education can affect the benefits you’re entitled to. 
• Care Information Scotland has information for carers who work or study.
• See more on our childcare pages.

Studying can be really rewarding for your mental health. It gives you a sense of purpose, boosts your confidence, and helps you connect with others. It also adds variety to your life, broadens your knowledge, and opens up more opportunities for your future.

That being said, balancing studying with everything else, especially as a single parent, can be tough. When deadlines pile up, when you’re facing mental health challenges, or when life feels overwhelming, student life might seem like an extra burden.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of support and advice available on managing your mental wellbeing while studying, and what to do if it ever feels like too much. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Useful links

• UK charity Mind has advice on becoming a student, including managing your finances and dealing with your studies. They also have a useful hub for students dealing with mental health issues. 
• The NHS has tips on student stress, and on counselling for students dealing with mental health problems.
• See our ‘health and wellbeing’ pages for tips on coping with your emotions and caring for yourself. 
• See our tips for boosting your confidence and self-esteem.