Usually when thinking about college, people immediately daydream about endless nights studying, finishing assignments overnight, horrifying deadlines, good friends, group jokes, enjoyable classes, boring classes, campus activities, jobs in between classes or seasons, and of course, partying like a rock star. In fact, college students have a very active schedule in which they cannot possibly squeeze anything else in. However, there’s a rare and unique type of student specimen, one who’s able to juggle their own busy agenda with the calendar of their bosses, also known as “their children.”
Yes, that’s us: students who are also parents.
If you’re one of us and are struggling, or are a parent considering coming to Camosun, let me tell you that it is possible. This is my last term and I’m still alive. This is why I thought I’d share some tips to help you enjoy the bumpy ride. If you’re not a parent, I also encourage you to read this to get some hints on how to support your classmates.
Have a schedule and be ready for the unpredictable
When you’re a parent, the most valuable and scarcest resource you’ve got is time. Learning how to distribute time might seem natural, a day-to-day activity; nevertheless, a clear timetable or planner will become your best friend. Assigning days and estimated times for each task will save you from nightmares. If you’re a new student, let me tell you that your kitchen calendar alone won’t do it—having a visual system to track your assignments is necessary if you don’t want work to pile up, which has happened to me many times.
Consider putting aside time for revising completed tasks. As weeks go by, you’ll be able to understand your working or processing speed; this will allow you to better foresee the designated amount of time for each assignment or personal task. I still remember my naivety during my first weeks—I thought I could achieve so many things in such perfect timing.
Also, keep some time in your schedule for unpredicted events. These are all those situations you can’t plan for: getting a call from daycare or school because your child is sick, snow days, or simply getting distracted, regretting it, and trying hard to make up for that time. What would life be with no adrenaline?
Choose your allies
Studying and parenting can be like two kingdoms fighting for your mental space. This is why I strongly advise you to have the following supports close to you.
Friends: They are the necessary water in your system; they’ll keep you alive through each term. As time goes by, you’ll be able to identify those friends that align with your studying style: make summaries and share them with those friends, create study groups with them for exams, and ask them for their experiences with previous courses.
Instructors: Don’t be scared to reach out to them. It has worked out for me to be open about my situation. In most cases, instructors will support you with deadlines or missed class content.
Camosun resources
Not sure about your writing skills? Check out the Writing Centre. Need a spot to study? Both campuses have libraries just for you. Struggling with anxiety? Get in touch with the Counselling Centre. Need a guide for student learning success? Search “student learning success guides” at camosun.libguides.com.
Last but not least, self-care
Nowadays, there are so many recommendations about self-care that float around us; it seems that the social media wellness gurus know what we need. The truth is, you are the only one who knows what’s best for yourself. Listen to your body, trust your gut, and be aware about how you’re feeling. The only advice I’m daring to give you in this aspect is this: sleep. Sleeping contributes to your health and well-being, and it enhances your learning and productivity.
Being a student as a parent isn’t easy. You’ll have long nights, you’ll probably hand in more than one late assignment, and you just might get more than a couple of gray hairs along the way. But while combining parenting and studying might seem impossible, I assure you it’s doable.