External Resources
Learn from other experiences of balancing studying with caring responsibilities.
University life as a carer: Tips from those who’ve been there
Let the OU know you are a carer - Declare your caring role via StudentHome so this is visible to your tutor and support teams.
Talk to your tutor early - Associate Lecturers are used to supporting carers and can offer flexibility, advice, and reassurance.
Use assessment flexibility - Apply for extension if you need one (especially) when caring responsibilities affect your study) these are normal and a sign that you are not coping or failing
Study little and often - The OU model suits short study sessions. Use the recorded tutorials, audio, and summaries. These can help when time is short or energy is limited.
Study when it works for you – consider making a study timetable to identify times that works best for you,
Engage with Student Support - The Student Support Team (SST) can help with workload planning, study intensity changes, or temporary breaks.
Be kind to yourself – Progress does not have to be linear. Continuing while caring is a success in itself.
Value what caring gives you - Organisation, resilience, empathy, and problem solving are real academic strengths. Use them with confidence.