Returning to study as an adult can feel like a big decision, especially when university needs to fit around work, family and everything else already happening in your life.

For adult learners, finding time to study doesn't mean putting the rest of their life on hold. It means finding a degree that is flexible enough to fit around them. One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: can you study while working full-time? The answer will look different for everyone, but finding a study option that fits your circumstances can make all the difference.

We spoke with UC student, Riley, about how she balances study with part-time work, parenting, family, friends and the things she enjoys most. She shares what has helped make returning to study manageable.

What are your hobbies and how do you fit them into a standard week?

When I have free time, I do the things I enjoy. One of my favourite things in the world is playing soccer and I go to training on Wednesday nights, with games usually happening on Sundays. When training or games aren't on, I keep those times free for other fun activities. I love reading books, playing video games, going to the gym and I write music. I like to watch a movie with my daughter at least once a week and I visit family once a week as well.

Do you have any tips for fitting in family commitments with study?

I'm studying a double degree of a Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Health Science, and when I'm studying, I still work part-time during the week. So I try to make the weekends more about family and fun than they are about work. As a parent, my schedule also needs to support my daughter's routine, which is why daycare drop offs and pick-ups stay consistent on Monday to Friday, regardless of whether I'm working or studying that day.

My family and friends understand that during the week, I don't really have time for anything spontaneous. I aim for one weekly visit to see at least one family member or friend, which means I don't over-do it, but still stay connected to the people who love and support me. I also know I can rely on them to help if I need a couple of hours with my daughter to get an assignment done, and in return I make sure I turn up for the important things like birthdays, weddings and other big moments.

How do you prioritise your time and what's most important throughout the semester both with study and your personal life?

I treat studying like it's my second job. The most important thing is attending every scheduled class unless I am genuinely too unwell to go, especially for any practicals or workshops. On days where I don't feel switched on, I still turn up and do whatever I can do with the time that I'm there. I also block out time during the day for readings and working on assessments, so they don't become overwhelming.

In my personal life, the important people in my life know that I will be less available than usual, but I don't have to miss out on the milestones. Some moments in life don't come round again – your brother's first open mic, your best friend's graduation, your mum's 50th birthday or your niece's 1st birthday – so it's important that you can still say yes to these by being consistent with the rest of your time.

Is your time-commitment to study different to what you imagined?

Yes. When I first returned to study I tried studying full-time, completing four units at a time, but it was too much for me to balance with my other commitments. Before choosing your study load, it's helpful to understand the difference between full-time and part-time study. While full-time study can help you complete your degree sooner, part-time offers more flexibility for balancing work, parenting and other commitments.

I originally underestimated how much time I would need. The recommendation is to spend 13 hours studying per week, per unit, so now I aim for a minimum of 10 hours per unit and that seems to work well for me. Those hours include any time spent on lectures and tutorials, and what you might spend reading or working on assignments. My current schedule allows for 19–22 hours, which is enough for a two-unit, part-time load. At UC, I like having the flexibility to balance part-time study and full-time work by adjusting my study load as I need.

There is no single way to balance university with work, family and everything else in your life. What works in one semester may need to change in the next. For Riley, success has come from building a routine, protecting time for what matters most and choosing a study load that fits best. At UC, flexibility is built into the way you study, so you can shape your degree around your life, not the other way around. Book a consult with one of our advisors to explore your options and see how you might be able to fit uni around your life.

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