Uni, dissertation and a baby?!

[RussianDoll]

I'm not sure if this post is relevant to the forum, but here goes!

Basically, I'm 20 and pregnant with my partner of two years. However, I'm currently half way through year 2 of uni... I'm not at all worried for this year as being pregnant is not going to disrupt my studies! I'm a little bit worried about 3rd year, as when I go back the baby will be about 4 weeks-ish and I am expected to do a dissertation that year! Me and my partner will be having the baby whilst the other is in uni, and on the days we both have to be in, my sister will be able to care for it! I am basically wondering if anyone has been able to get a good grade (more specifically doing a dissertation) whilst studying and having a baby?

 

[tardiz]

I'm doing my final year now. My lo is 7 1/2 months. When I started this year it wasn't too bad as he slept Alot but now he is more active and needs entertaining more I'm struggling but my mum and hubby take him when they can but it is hard. Im sure you will get through it good luck xxx

 

[KittieB]

I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant and starting my dissertation! I'm not going to be able to finish it before baby is born so will have to finish it with a newborn baby. It will be hard, but I'm sure we can manage

 

[greenkat]

I had my daughter in the last year of my degree - in October which was probably the worst time!

I did find it hard, mostly because I hated leaving her and it didn't feel worth it. She went to a childminder 3 days a week from when she was 3 months to 6 months - which doesn't sound like alot but I absolutely HATED it. I also didn't accept help as much as I should - I should have gone round every tutor/lecturer/or whoever and explained - but I avoided it instead.

I also found it weird being at uni with a big bump. I've always wanted my daughter and no one ever said anything against me but I felt judged somehow.

It was harder for me than her because she didn't understand yet - and I should have taken advantage of that and made up for it later. I should have worked harder then I could be reaping the rewards now - I got a 2.2 which is ok but a 2.1 is SO much better when you're job hunting and if you get a 3 or less it's like you would be better if you hadn't bothered.

Sorry if that's a bit ranty and useless - I just mean to say you can totally do it - and do really well - you just have to get your head in the right space.

Good Luck

 

[Aneesa_09]

I'm in the same situation but im due in may and i also have a son who's just turned two- you will be fine just make sure u ain't afraid to ask for help when u need it I will be getting a 2:1 big headed as it sounds - I'm keeping positive I'm sure u can too x

 

[sarajane]

Hi, I was pregnant while writing my Masters thesis, and I´m now starting a PGCE and have an 11 month old. I´m not gonna lie, it is really difficult, but it is doable as long as you are determined!

Good luck!

P.S: We should totally start a student mums thread so we can support each other!

 

[KittieB]

P.S: We should totally start a student mums thread so we can support each other!

I agree! Where could we start one?

 

[nickibrum]

I dont have a baby, ttc at the moment, but I have been to uni once already and then decided i would also do a part time uni course in the evenings this year along with having a full time job. I have two assignments to do, bith dissertation length to juggle around my job and my husband and dogs etc.

Best advice i can give you, is prepare way in advance. In my uni degree years ago my dissertation module was to start in semester 2, i started prep work over xmas, just background research. It was invaluable. Write down EVERY quote in a separate pad; where you found it, what pg etc. (not necessarily harvard referecing but enough that you can find it again in the future if you decide to use that reference).

Hope that helps. xx

 

[RussianDoll]

Thank you all so much! It's nice to know that it is doable if you put your mind to it! And it's nice for people to have faith I don't doubt I'll finish with a decent grade, so it could. E worse! I hope everything goes well for you all to and I agree with the student mum's thread! Anyone have ideas of where to put it?!

 

[SweetChilli90]

I was in your position too. Got pregnant at the start of second year, had her in July went back in Sept. She's not 7 months and me and my OH (also a 3rd year student) are both trying to do out dissertation and 4 other modules. It is hard but it's also doable, and you feel even better about yourself after getting an essay in etc because of how hard you've worked. The younger they are the easier it tends to be because they sleep a lot and are less active. Our uni also has a nursery with discount for students so that may be worth looking into too. Good luck

 

[OmiOmen]

Well my son was 4 months old when I started my course and I am currently in my second year. I am not going to lie it is really tough to get work done and deal with so little sleep. My husband works nights and looks after our son when I am at Uni but that does not really mean much when it comes to coursework. I struggle to get my husband to help when I actually need to read or write things up. So I would say just make sure that you talk to your partner and make realistic plans about when you are both going to get chance to do the work out of Uni time.

The good news is that it is one sure fire way to prove you have good organisation and time management skills when you leave because there is no way to be a parent and a student without developing these skills. The bad news is that when you hear someone saying they did not have time to do work because of a night out or how much they hate getting up for a 9am lecture you may feel it is hard not to punch them. That seems extreme but when you got up at 4am after a few hours broken up sleep and have struggled to find time to eat but still managed to do the work while rocking your crying baby it becomes hard to listen to.

 

[Mrs.S.]

Hi

I had my little one half way through my final year of uni - I agree that the hardest part is leaving lo so soon. I had to leave my lo when he was 3 weeks old but it was worth it. you do need to be organised but I found that my lo was my biggest motivator I was determined to do well after having to leave him so early in his life. to make it worth it as I felt so guilty. it worked - I finished with a 1st class degree and an award for my dissertation. so its definitely do-able if you put your mind to it. I just studied at night when my lo went to bed

good luck!! Xxx

 

[angelic_one]

I had the choice between going back and giving birth in December or having a year out and going back when LO was 9 months. I chose the latter mostly because it meant i was classed as an independent student so got more money, but it ended up being an amazing decision for me, after being at home with a baby for 9 months I seized every opportunity going at uni and bought my grade up from a third in my second year to a high 2:1. It also meant that Emily was at a great age to start nursery at 9 months and I didn't feel quite so bad about leaving her as I knew she loved it and she has really thrived there whereas I think it would have been harder leaving her at a few weeks old. I know it's tempting to want to get it over with but it might not be best to rush it. BTW if you have a year off (intercalate) you are entitled to your Uni's access to learning fund and you dont have to pay council tax still. Also, you have an extra year to do your reading for your disseration, I wrote about 6,000 words of mine while I was still pregnant. If you have any other questions or want someone to talk to, PM me xxxxxx