Help? Those that live apart from family during the week...

Thank you for you replies, I basically felt like I was the only mum in the world that would even consider this.

My problem is even my nearest university (Plymouth) is over two hours away, which I was going to commute. I would have to leave at 6 every morning and be back at 8/9PM. So I wouldn't see my little girl on weekdays anyway (and obviously I have been unsuccessful at Plymouth).

This way we keep our house, my fiance keeps his job and the second I finish my degree I can move back without a problem. I keep having to think of things in the long term, it's worth 3 years of seeing my family way less then I ever wanted to, so that I can provide a better future for them for the rest of our lives.

Hey hun, just seen this post. I will be in a similar position if I get into UWE and not a uni closer to me. I am going to commute for lectures (1.5hrs each way) and then live in Bristol during placements, spoke to the tutors when I had my interview and they told me there is flexability with placements re doing long days in a row to have more 'days off' but you do have to ensure you spend enough time with your mentor. Hope it all works out well for you xx

Hi I've just found this thread - I'm looking for some reassurance that it's possible to undertake this 3 year degree course with a commute every day, whilst having a little one (or more!). My little girl will be 2 yrs old in September when I am due to start at manchester university (received an unconditional offer last week). I am 33 and this is a massive upheaval as so many changes will have to be put in place to enable this to be possible, but I can't help believing that it is do-able and there MUST be others out there who have undertaken the same, and in some cases more than I am about to...and survived!

I'd LOVE to hear from anyone who has embarked on this path, whatever stage you're at or however it turned out.

Much appreciated
xx

I commute to work in London from somewhere far up North.

It is absolutely do-able!

It is hard leaving to go to work, especially after holidays and longer stretches at home, but being a student/midwife is such a big commitment that even those living at home will inevitably miss out things due to the nature of shifts and assignments etc.

I find that I'm less likely to take work home with me as I switch off on the journey home and switch back into work mode when my train is pulling into London! I can concentrate fully on my kids when I'm at home, and can concentrate fully on work when I'm in London.

It is a big thing to do, but the main thing I would say is to ensure you've got fab childcare, with a backup plan in case of emergencies. The emotional side is difficult at first, so make sure you have good support from tutors and mentors. You will probably find that your circumstances are taken into account when planning off-duty so you will likely find yourself at home more than you first thought.

x