Studying as a parent

Studying at a university or university college as a parent is both a unique and challenging experience. You can plan and organise your time in a different way than in full-time work, which can lead to more flexibility when combining studies and parental life. 

However, time management is then even more important to get your studies and parental life to fit together, and sometimes scheduled activities and group work are outside times when childcare is usually provided. A supportive network can mean a lot at such times.  

Rights and grants

When you study and have children, you have the right to stay at home for care of a sick child (VAB) with the opportunity to keep your grant and loan - notification is made to CSN. You also have the same right to a preschool place as those in employment. The amount of time of your studies corresponds to the time your child has the right to attend preschool. 

Making ends meet can be tough when you have others to provide for. If you have children and are studying, you might be entitled to a supplementary grant. The grant is applied for at CSN. It may also be possible to receive a housing benefit for families with children. The application is made to Försäkringskassan.

Advice and tips for student parents

It can be hectic combining parental life with studies and it is not uncommon for student parents to have pressures on their time and feel inadequate. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can under the circumstances, and that with preparation and a clear structure you can make things easier for yourself.

• Plan your time
  Use a calendar, and make a daily schedule. The schedule should include what must be done and when to do it. Also, write in other tasks in addition to your studies, share the responsibility if you are two parents and make sure to do your part at the allocated time so that it does not interfere with your study time. Keep the schedule in a visible place and stick to your planning.
• Study when your child is at preschool or school
  Or if you have an infant who sleeps during the day it could be an opportunity to study time, if you have the energy.
• Group work often takes place outside of scheduled time
  Inform your fellow students that your flexibility is limited and plan and distribute work well in advance.
• Support and back up is key
  A network in the form of relatives, friends and babysitters is important to have as support and back up if your child is sick in connection with important exams or lectures.
• Get help from study advisers
  Study advisers can help with the planning of studies, for example when caring for a sick child for a longer period.
• Finf out what applies at your higher education institution
  They want to make it easier for parents who study and sometimes have guidelines for this. For example, teaching and examinations are primarily conducted in office hours, weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00, in order to coincide with school and childcare hours. Find out what applies at the higher education institution you want to study at.
• Distance learning can make daily life easier
   Many people find that they save time when studying remotely, others find they study more effectively on site. Think about and adapt your studies based on what is possible for you.
• Seek tips and advice from others student parents
  Through blogs, social media and other networks.
• Social contacts
  Participate in the social contexts that exist at the school to the extent possible. It increases the sense of belonging.