Being a single parent is never easy. For single moms in college, the challenges may sometimes seem overwhelming and the urge to throw in the towel can be strong. However, pursuing a college degree is one of the best things single parents can do for their futures — and for their children’s futures.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled some tips designed to help single moms succeed — in the classroom and as parents.
Tip 1: Prioritize and manage your time. One of the most important aspects that can help single moms in college succeed is finding ways to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. For a lot of single parents, time management does not come easily. Every parent knows that children are often on their timetables.
That said, making a schedule for studying and completing homework — and doing your best to stick to that schedule without procrastinating — can help you stay on top of competing priorities. This, in turn, can help you feel more in control of your life.
Tip 2: Apply for financial aid early. Paying for college is another challenge most students face, especially single parents who are trying to raise a family on a limited income. The good news is that there are many scholarship opportunities and college grants for single mothers.
Apply for financial aid as early as possible, completing the FAFSA as soon as you’re able (you can do this as early as Oct. 1 for the following fall). In addition to the financial aid your college will help you obtain, there are private scholarships for single moms. It does take some work to apply for these, but it can definitely be worth it in the end.
Tip 3: Consider nontraditional learning options. Going to college during traditional weekday daytime class hours may be fine for someone fresh out of high school without any other responsibilities. That doesn’t hold true for everyone though, especially single parents.
Look for colleges that offer flexible learning opportunities, including part-time and evening courses. You may also want to consider taking online courses toward your degree. With online college classes, students learn the same material as their on-campus peers, but do so on their schedules whenever and wherever it’s most convenient.
Tip 4: Take time for yourself. For most single moms, their No. 1 priority is their children. Remember, to take care of your children, you also need to take care of yourself — especially if you’re juggling college and family responsibilities.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, fitting fitness in your schedule and finding time to relax — even if just for a few minutes.
Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finally, it may feel like you are on an island when you’re a single parent in college. You’re not; you just need to know where to look for help, and not be afraid to ask for it when you need it.
Single moms who thrive in college often do so because they are taking advantage of their school’s academic support services and have developed strong relationships with instructors and fellow students.
GENERATIONS COLLEGE UNDERSTANDS THE STRUGGLES SINGLE MOMS IN COLLEGE FACE
At Generations College, we know every student’s journey is different. We have been educating tomorrow’s leaders since 1904. Over the years, we have helped countless single parents realize their dreams of earning their college degrees. We are proud to offer a variety of degree programs and support services designed with busy adults in mind.
With daytime and evening classes in Chicago, and degree programs that can be earned entirely online on your schedule, Generations College is the clear choice for busy single moms who want to reach their educational goals.
Contact us today to learn more about any of our programs. When you’re ready to take that first step toward a better future, you can apply online quickly and easily.