Being successful as a student carer
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.