Studying while raising a family is challenging but it is rewarding and achievable with the right support. A significant number of UniSC students and graduates are parents and carers. You'll join a strong community at UniSC and find services and support to help you manage both roles effectively.
Family-friendly campuses
Children are welcome at all UniSC campuses. At each location, you'll find parent and child-friendly spaces. These can be located on all maps, and include:
UniSC Sunshine Coast
- Lawns and space to play
- Parents room (Building I)
- Family space (Library)
- Coffee shops and eateries
- Dedicated parent parking spaces
UniSC Moreton Bay
- Lawns and space to play
- Parent's room (location?)
- Coffee shop
Flexibility and support
Every student and family is unique. Share your situation with us and we will connect you with the right services and support. Here are some examples:
- First-year students who are parents may be eligible for early access to the UniSC timetable
- Students with a disability and accessibilty needs, or those caring for someone with a disability, may be eligible for reasonable adjustments.
- Financial support and scholarships are available to help you fund your studies if you are eligible
- Access to a range of health, wellbeing and academic student support services
- Student Guild offers family-friendly events and provides support for families and students
- Mentoring and opportunities for leadership and partnerships through student leadership awards, and student mentoring programs
Our stories
Graduating dad opts to sit with kids – to watch mum cross the stage instead
Only one of them will cross the stage at a University of the Sunshine Coast graduation ceremony this week but husband and wife graduating students Clayton and Lisa James wouldn’t have it any other way
Mum, medallist and more, honoured at graduation
Bree Glasbergen entered UniSC unsure if university was 'meant' for her – she has now graduated as a published writer with a Bachelor of Arts and a Chancellor's Medal.
Nursing Science student mum of five backs UniSC Giving Day
A former chef and single mother of five who last year received a bursary towards her dream of becoming a nurse hopes that the University of Sunshine Coast’s Giving Day 2023 will help more students achieve their goals.
Library space for parents the key to calm studies
Group assignments just got easier for parents studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast, with the Library at its Sippy Downs campus now home to a kids’ corner.
Taking a leap of faith brings great rewards for mature age student
"I was feeling defeated by the path my life had taken and saw few opportunities to change the trajectory of my life. The decision to enrol in university was spur of the moment."
Overcoming tragedy to realise a lifelong dream
Three times a charm for Hayley Mailman, who is finally achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a paramedic despite several tragic setbacks, including the sudden death of her children’s father; she’s now halfway through her degree, driven by a determination to help others.
Top tips for success
Connect with others
Meeting other student families can help your kids make new friends and extend your support network. Take turns watching the kids, swap notes and share each other's struggles and triumphs.
Access available support
If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out. It takes a village, and your village is here for you at UniSC. There's financial support, facilities for parents, and potential adjustments if you are eligible.
Prioritise your wellbeing
It's important to rest, eat well and take time for yourself while balancing parenting and study. Look after yourself and make sure your health stays a priority on your study journey. There's lots of facilities, social activities and sports on campus to help.
Set a good example
Your kids watch what you do and may, one day, follow in your footsteps. What better way to teach your child about the importance of hard work and education, than to study yourself? As you juggle responsibilities, persevere and work hard, you demonstrate that it's important to try and never stop learning.
Remember your motivation
Perhaps you are wanting to create a better life, or make a difference in a field that matters to you. When the going gets tough, keep these things in mind. Remember, you have the greatest motivation in the world to keep going: your family.
Get organised
It beneficial to establish firm boundaries around time commitments from the start. First-year students who are parents may be eligible for early access to the UniSC timetable. Many students use a planner and block out times. .... more here from experienced ppl!
