Studying with a child - Anne talks about her everyday life as a student

Why did you decide to study at the HdM and why this particular degree programme?

For me, Integriertes Produktdesign was the ideal degree programme to apply my creativity professionally and develop what I'm good at. I liked the high proportion of projects and the family atmosphere, which also suited me later when I had a child. The combination of subjects was totally convincing compared to other universities.

Did you already have a child before you started studying?

No, I got pregnant at the beginning of the 5th semester, during my practical semester. I took a break one month before the birth and continued studying when my child was about four and a half months old.

What motivated you to continue your studies?

It was clear to me that I wanted to continue my studies - even with a child. At the beginning, it was hard for me to imagine how I could reconcile everything. But step by step you find a way. In addition to the challenges, there are also advantages that I appreciate. For example, the flexibility that studying offers compared to a permanent position. With a child, there's so little you can plan, but lectures can still be organised somehow. The organisation part unsettled me at first, but now it helps me to be in the moment and see what I need. In a few months' time, these needs may look completely different again due to the child's development.

What does a typical day look like for you?

At the moment, I can be mum to my child. She's involved in everything. We experience everyday life together while cooking, shopping and cleaning. In between, there is time for long exploratory trips in the countryside, for playgrounds and for meetings with other mums and their children. During my studies, we reorganised ourselves as a family every semester and set fixed days or times for everything. My partner works full-time, but was on parental leave for a few months and occasionally took time off for my studies. Flexibility and constantly reorganising and planning things are really the be-all and end-all. As a result, I have learnt to use little time efficiently and have really appreciated the variety provided by my studies compared to my role as a mum.

What difficulties did you experience most as a mother during your studies?

How little time there actually is and how much priorities are shifting! On the one hand, it's good, but on the other, it was also quite a change at first. I was no longer able to devote as much attention to my studies, which I really enjoyed, as before. Traditional student life took a back seat for a while, and my important topics were suddenly completely different to those of my fellow students. As a student, I was the exception among other mums. At the same time, this gave me flexibility and freedom in a whole new way, which I really appreciated. I feel that I have totally arrived on my own path in life. It's a change - no question - but looking back, it's all a good thing.

Which offers or support measures of the HdM did you use?

At the beginning, I contacted the family office to find out about my options and rights. The family office was also always my point of contact when I had difficulties with exams. For the courses, we decided individually whether I could take an alternative examination, participate online or work through the content on my own. Which option was suitable depended on the lecturer and the subject in question. The age of my child also always played a role. I also heard, for example, that babies can be taken along to a course. However, that wasn't an option for me at the time. I had a longer processing time for my Bachelor's thesis due to the compensation for disadvantages.

What was the most important realisation you made while studying with family responsibilities?

There are always people who will support and help you. It helps to recognise that you need this support. My environment made a lot of things easier for me. I no longer studied alone. My partner, my family, my fellow students and my lecturers were much more present and involved. As the saying goes: "It takes a village." I dealt with this situation openly and was grateful for every opportunity that arose as a result.

Do you already have an idea of how things will continue for you?

I'm just really happy to be a mum at the moment. Most mums take a year's parental leave before they go back to work. I didn't have that during my studies. As a result, I'm currently enjoying not having a double burden and being able to devote myself fully to the family stage of my life. In the long term, I'm open to further professional development. The ideas lie dormant inside me and can mature until my child is more independent.

What tips do you have for mothers who are considering studying?

The contact persons at the HdM are a great support and help you to assess your individual situation and make a plan. There is always a way to combine the two, and the tasks allow you to grow.

Thank you very much, dear Anna, for the open conversation and the impressions of your everyday life as a mum and student.