Blog: Balancing books and babies

Written by Alex Ferranti, Student EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Officer

At university, we often talk about independence, discovery, and growth. But for some students, those experiences come with an extra layer of responsibility: caring for others. Parent and Carers Fortnight at the University of Birmingham is a chance to recognise, celebrate, and support those students whose university journey looks a little different.

Hi, my name is Alex and when I was at university between 2012 and 2015, I was also a parent. That meant my experience was shaped not just by my degree, but by the realities of everyday life beyond campus. Being a student and a parent at the same time is both rewarding and demanding. It means juggling deadlines alongside childcare duties, and revision alongside responsibilities that don’t pause when assignments are due.

Like many student parents, I often had to make difficult choices. I didn’t always get to pick modules based on my interests or long-term goals. Instead, my decisions were shaped by practicalities, such as what day a lecture fell on, so I could minimise the time I needed to be on campus, often condensing everything into just two days a week. That way, I could spend the remaining days working to support my family.

But alongside the challenges, there were also some incredible moments that made time as a parent in full-time university education unique. One of the highlights of my university experience was my year abroad on the Erasmus Programme, which I was able to bring my family with me. Those first couple of weeks in Spain felt like learning a completely different kind of Spanish language, which was less about lectures and more about finding suitable housing for a young family and tracking down essentials like cots and nursery spaces. It wasn’t always easy balancing study with settling a newborn into a new country, but it was an unforgettable experience that blended family life with academic opportunity in a really special way.

And yet, despite these challenges, being a student parent also builds strengths that deserve recognition. It develops resilience, time management, and determination in ways that go far beyond the classroom. It means showing up, even when things feel overwhelming, and continuing to push forward, for yourself and for those who depend on you.

Parent and Carers Fortnight is an important reminder that these experiences are valid and valued. It shines a light on a group of students who are sometimes overlooked, creating space for their stories to be heard. So, if you are a student and also a parent or carer, remember: you’ve got this. It might feel overwhelming at times, but you are not alone.

University is not just about the degrees we earn, it’s about the journeys we take to get there. And for student parents and carers, those journeys are nothing short of extraordinary.