Referat für Studis mit Kind
Welcome to the journey series as a student parent at TU Braunschweig. This website shares real experiences from pregnancy, recovery, and the return to study, with the hope that it may encourage other student parents who are balancing family life and academic goals.
Balancing parenthood and study is challenging, and it often means managing lectures, assignments, childcare, fatigue, and emotional pressure all at the same time.
There are moments when progress feels slow, and even simple tasks require extra patience and planning. Yet these experiences also show strength, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward.
That is why we are launching these stories from real-life experiences of parents who are studying at TU Braunschweig. Through these shared journeys, we hope to create understanding, support, and encouragement for others walking a similar path.
A journey written by Sanjida Reza Rafa, Masters In Data Science
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Balancing Parenthood and Study Life at TU Braunschweig
by Sanjida Reza Rafa
Why this matters?
About 10% of university students in Germany are parents. Many face challenges balancing lectures, CHILDcare, and financial stability.As a mother pursuing my Master’s while raising my child, I’ve learned that studying as a parent means balancing two full-time roles — but it’s possible with support, structure, and self-kindness.
me aligned with course expectations.
Common Challenges:
- Managing coursework and childcare
- Time and sleep imbalance
- Feeling isolated from peers
- Financial pressure and stress
- Health issues and fatigue
Practical Tips for Student Parents:
These tips come from a mother who is studying at TU Braunschweig - a journey filled with late-night assignments, doctor visits, uncertainties, and small victories. Everything here is based on real experiences, real struggles, and real solutions that helped me stay afloat during pregnancy, early motherhood, and my academic challenges.
StudyParent Journey: A Guide for Student Parents at TU Braunschweig
Main Topics Inside:
- Emotional challenges
- Academic decisions
- Support systems
- Time management
- Returning to study
- Mental & physical well-being
Conclusion - Growing Together
Balancing motherhood and academics is not about perfection—it’s about perseverance. Every small step, every late-night study, and every shared smile with my child became part of one journey.
Through patience, planning, and support, I learned that being a mother and a student can go hand in hand. Our challenges teach resilience, and our little ones remind us why we keep going.
Phase 1: Pregnancy Journey - Before Baby Arrived
Part of the StudyParent Journey Series – by Sanjida Reza Rafa
1. Took fewer courses
- Pregnancy symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and low energy made, long study sessions difficult.
- Reducing my workload helped me stay academically connected without overwhelming myself
2. Informed family, office, my mentor and professors early
- I shared my situation honestly - being four months pregnant, scared, and far from family.
- Their warmth and understanding gave me emotional relief and practical flexibility.
3. Studied gently from home
- Sitting at the laptop triggered dizziness, so I shifted to lighter self-study at my own pace.
- Regular communication with professors kept me aligned with course expectations.
4. Built emotional security before the baby arrived
- Spent time mentally preparing for motherhood while holding onto my academic identity.
- Learned to balance hope, fear, and responsibility in a country far from home.
5. Focused on managing hormonal and emotional changes
- First-trimester symptoms made me anxious and uncertain.
- I allowed myself small steps instead of pushing for unrealistic productivity.
6. Applied for maternity protections
- With guidance from my mentor and examination office, I arranged maternity leave.
- Their help made me feel seen and supported as both a student and an expecting mother.
Phase 2: Healing, Parenthood and Finding Our Rhythm
Part of the StudyParent Journey Series – by Sanjida Reza Rafa
Sektion 1: My Recovery Journey
Weeks 1-8: Healing After C-Section
- Faced a complicated C-section and infection.
- My mother and husband were my biggest support.
- Learned to accept help and give my body time to heal.
Weeks 9-16: Adjusting to Parenthood
- My husband took parental leave so we could manage together.
- We created our first flexible baby-care schedule.
- Slowly regained strength and emotional balance.
Months 4-6: Finding Emotional Stability
- Faced post-pregnancy fatigue, emotional swings, and sleeplessness.
- Focused on reading, calm walks, and quiet reflection.
- Started believing again that I could continue my studies.
"Healing isn’t linear - it’s about rediscovering strength in small steps.”
Sektion 2: Our Day and Night Routine
- 🕛 12 AM – 3 AM: My husband fed and changed the baby
- 🌃 3 AM – 7 AM: I took over for feeding and cuddling.
- ☀ 7 AM – 11 AM: He took care of the baby while I rested.
- 🍲 11 AM – 1 PM: Breakfast, small chores, baby playtime.
- 💤 1 PM – 4 PM: Baby nap - time for rest or meal prep.
- 🌆 Evening: Family walk, gentle bonding.
- 🌙 Night: Preparing baby’s sleep and organizing for the next day.
Our routine wasn’t perfect - but it was ours. It taught us teamwork, love, and patience
Sektion 3: What Helped Me Most
- Healing takes time - don’t rush.
- Take parental leave or a semester off if needed.
- Communicate openly with your professors and mentors.
- Even 30 minutes of study daily keeps your mind active.
- Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s essential.
Gently Reminder:
Returning to balance after delivery wasn’t easy - it took time, patience, and compassion. There were moments when I doubted my ability to continue, but with support and structure, I found a rhythm that worked for our small family. This phase became more than survival; it became the foundation for my confidence to study, parent, and heal at the same time.