I am a second-year Politics student, as well as a commuter and single parent. So how do I juggle everything?

This semester, I had in-person teaching only on Monday and Tuesday, so out of the four modules, one was on Monday, and three were on Tuesday. This meant that I was able to work and relax for the rest of the week, and my work-life balance was pretty normal. Not only that, but the Politics department was gracious enough not to have me wake up too early on either day: On Monday, my first lecture was at 12 pm and on Tuesday, my first lecture was at 10 am, which meant that I had plenty of time to take my son to nursery and have a calm commute in.

Since I obtained my license in August and also have my own car, I am fortunate enough to be able to decide between driving in and taking the train every morning. I have my own flat in Woking, which is a 10-minute walk from the station, and the journey from Woking to Guildford usually takes no more than 5 minutes by train. Then, from the station to campus, it is a ten to fifteen-minute walk for a slow walker.

Parking on campus is always straightforward, and I have always found a spot within seconds of entering the car park. Because I have a parking permit, I always park in the North car park (at the very top of campus), and the permit system is all done automatically and electronically through a company called Evology AutoPay. The most I have had to pay after leaving my car at the university all day is £2, which is automatically deducted from my bank account. To sign up for a parking permit, visit this website. You will need a valid license and registration details.

Initially, I was concerned that I would have nowhere to go and relax between lectures; however, since I joined in September, I have always been going to the first floor of the library, which always has available seating. It is not entirely silent, so I can either relax, talk to friends, have something to eat, or catch up on some light studying. Before I get there, though, I always buy something to eat at the campus Co-op, which is conveniently right below the first floor of the library. To access the first floor of the library, scan your student ID; the process is quick and easy.

In addition to the Co-op, I also visit the Lakeside coffee shop, located right next to the car park, to grab something before I get in the car (they have incredible focaccia toasties). I also enjoy Hillside Coffee, which serves the best Greek salads in Surrey. Even though it is often packed during peak times, if you arrive early or late enough, it is a charming spot to sit with friends.

This semester, I made most of my friends through lectures and seminars. Still, as a Politics student, I decided to attend some Politics Society events, including the Christmas Pub Crawl, where I met some people with whom I really got along. I am in a fortunate situation where, because my son attends nursery during the day, my mum looks after him overnight when I want to attend events and socialise.

My top tips for managing home life and university life would be to give yourself periods to work and periods to relax and socialise. Without this, as a single mum, full-time student, and freelance professional speaker, I would most likely be going crazy. I very rarely work past 8 pm, and I make sure not to overextend myself. There are also designated networks for commuters and carers that are there to give people like me a sense of community, so make use of them.

My personal tutor has also been very understanding of my circumstances, so in the rare cases I have not been able to make it onto campus, open communication with him has meant that everything has gone smoothly. I spent my first year at Royal Holloway, but I transferred because the commute was just too complicated and time-consuming. I would say that the transfer to Surrey has definitely been worth it.

By Amelie Abass