Hannah Watts is currently studying our part-time Online LPC with an MSc in Law, Business and Management. She chose our most flexible study options so that she could balance work, home life and studies. We understand how hard it is to imagine balancing so many commitments, but Hannah’s here to help you realise that you can do it too. Below she shares not only her advice on flexible studying but her exact schedule to show how you could do it too.
By Cara Fielder. Published 4 September 2024.
I chose to study the LPC as it was the next step in my journey to become a qualified solicitor. I did some research into the LPC and SQE and decided the LPC was the best route for me while it was still available.
After doing plenty of research online, I felt that The University of Law had some great reviews and would offer me what I needed, studying the course I wanted and at the intensity best to suit my life.
Below you can see what a week in my life looks like during my studies, but let me run you through an average day:
6.00am – get up, make lunches, empty dishwasher and general tidy up
7.00am – get ready, wake up the kids, get the kids ready for school
8.30am – school run
8.40am – drive to work
9.00am-5.00pm – work
5.00pm – drive home
5.30pm – collect the kids
6.00pm – dinner and clean up
7.00pm – kids showers, reading and bedtimes
8.00pm-11.00pm – study
11.00pm – shower and bed
Flexibility in education is so important because it means people, like myself, can change career and pursue their goals later on in life, around jobs and children. It opens doors to those who would otherwise not be able to study with their other commitments. Although part time study is intense around my other commitments, I can’t imagine how hard full time study would have been to try and fit in.
The main challenge of balancing work, studying and parenting is the exhaustion. I cannot let either one slide. My children deserve my full attention and so do my studies, so I need to make sure I put my all into both. From September to June, I don’t stop. I think remaining dedicated is what keeps me going. Then, as soon as that last exam is finished and I have time to relax, the exhaustion hits like a tonne of bricks.
To get the most out of flexible learning, you need to use the resources available to you – the books, tutorials and the communities of other online students. Also, remain focused and devoted. Remind yourself why you started and where you hope to be at the end. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.
To anyone considering studying - don’t hold back and don’t doubt yourself. It’s hard but it’s doable. It feels great to make your kids proud and show them where hard work and determination can get you. But it’s an even better feeling to be proud of yourself, of your achievements and of proving to yourself that you can do absolutely anything if you put your mind to it.
If you want to create your own weekly calendar, you can download our free printable here. Explore flexible learning options with our online part-time courses.
