What is it actually like to study with a child?

I had the opportunity to talk to a student who is currently studying here at Clausthal University of Technology. Tatjana Methfessel, who works in our university's family service, was also present for the interview.

"Overall, around four percent of students at the TU study with children, two thirds of whom are international students," reports Tatjana Methfessel. The Family Service staff try to support parents at the university as best they can. As the town of Clausthal-Zellerfeld does not currently have the required number of full-day places for children aged between zero and three, TU Clausthal has been offering the Uni-Luchse and Uni-Mäuse daycare centers for some time. These services are a supplement to the city. In addition, the "Uni-Nanny", which is run by the Studierendenwerk, looks after the children of students. In exceptional cases, the Uni-Nanny also looks after children by the hour, for example when an exam is due.

According to the student, it is easier to talk about your situation and find individual solutions at Clausthal University of Technology than at large universities. Many universities, including Clausthal University of Technology of course, have included a paragraph in the examination regulations to compensate for disadvantages such as family responsibilities (paragraph 22 section 5 of the examination regulations at Clausthal University of Technology). This enables students to complete equivalent coursework and examinations in a different form. Nevertheless, many professors support students with children and understand the situation. They offer appropriate solutions for this group of people and this works very well at Clausthal University of Technology thanks to the family atmosphere and the very good supervision ratio. As far as the financial aspects are concerned, the social counseling service of the Studentenwerk provides support and advice. "You really have to want to study. Half-heartedly doesn't work," says the student. Her everyday life is well planned. Nevertheless, it can happen that deadlines cannot be met and an alternative date is needed. You shouldn't be afraid to get in touch with lecturers, because in most cases a good solution can be found. "But you also grow with your tasks," she explains with a smile.

The coronavirus pandemic in particular has presented her with new challenges. Whereas before the pandemic, the question of support during an event was the main priority, now most of it takes place online - at times both at university and at the child's school. This made online exams, for example, a little more difficult, as the child was a distraction from time to time. There were often two video conferences at the same time: the lecture on the one hand and the child's lessons on the other.

Studying full-time is not easy. The student I spoke to is currently studying in this model. However, she would like to see more part-time courses. "So far, only a few courses at the TU can be studied part-time. Unfortunately, there are far too few," she says. "I think more students would be attracted to Clausthal if there were more part-time courses on offer." This would not only affect students with children, but also people who want to continue their education alongside their job. Even if you make use of all the regular childcare options, it is not possible to attend all courses without additional help. In particular, appointments late in the evening (e.g. 19:00-20:30) are neither covered nor family-friendly.

"We would like to offer more flexible childcare options," adds Tatjana Methfessel. In Hanover, for example, there is a network of private individuals, such as older people, who can look after children for one euro per hour. Such a model would also be conceivable for Clausthal. She also wants to offer parent-child meetings, as she did before the pandemic, so that parents can network and help each other.

Ultimately, after my interview with Tatjana Methfessel and the student, it can be said that studying with a child must be a well-thought-out decision that should not be taken half-heartedly. However, if you really want to manage your studies, it is definitely feasible. The university offers support for all parents who need it and adapts its services to the needs of its students. "Seek support, e.g. from other parents in a similar situation, friends or family and support each other," the young mother advises everyone in a similar situation. Tatjana Methfessel also recommends contacting the family service and/or the counseling center of the Studentenwerk OstNiedersachsen as early as possible. Another very important aspect is to try to find a childcare place as early as possible if there are no other childcare options for the child/children.