This Halloween, we're not just talking ghosts and goblins - we're talking real challenges faced by student parents across Arden. And the numbers are spine-chilling.

Complete the Survey

🧠 What we’ve learned so far:

• 89% of student parents say their biggest challenge is balancing study time with parenting responsibilities.

• 49% say school holidays make academic life even harder to manage.
  (That’s from 900+ students who’ve already shared their experiences.)

💬 And the stories behind the stats? They’re powerful.

“Dropping my kids off at 8:30 and being expected in lectures by 9am? It’s a nightmare.”
“I’m a full-time professional by day, a full-time parent by night—and deadlines don’t care.”
“Afternoon and evening classes clash with childcare. I miss lectures, fall behind, and feel excluded.”

These voices are loud, clear, and urgent. The current timetable setup is creating barriers that make it harder for student parents to succeed. We believe that needs to change.

🕯️ Why this matters:

This survey isn’t just about collecting data—it’s about building a case for better support, more flexibility, and a university experience that works for everyone. Especially those juggling nappies and notebooks.

🖍️ Need a moment to focus?

We’ve even included a Halloween-themed colouring sheet so your little ones can stay busy while you complete the survey. Because we get it—sometimes, a few quiet minutes make all the difference.

Get colouring

🎁 And here’s a little treat:

Everyone who completes the survey by 31st October will be entered into a draw to win an Amazon voucher. It’s our way of saying thank you for sharing your story—and helping us push for change.

All eligible students who complete the survey have the opportunity to:

• Win a £10 Amazon e-voucher*, if you are one of the first 30 to complete the survey

• Enter a prize draw to win 1 of 3 £100 Amazon e-vouchers*

Students can only enter once by completing the survey before it closes on the 31st October 2025.

View terms and conditions

🦇 Don’t miss out—time is running out!

Take the survey now and help us build a more inclusive, student-parent-friendly Arden.

Complete the Survey

Survey Information

A priority for your Student President

This is a key priority for your Student President, Jay Agbaje, who we are working with, in addition to colleagues across the University, to lobby on anything that will support your journey. However, we want to better understand your experience as a parent to influence decision-making at the University.

​By completing this 10 minute anonymous survey, you will help us campaign for change for you, and with you.

Here is a message from Jay:

"Being a student is challenging. Being a parent while studying is even more demanding. I have seen this first-hand and understand the pressure it brings.​ This is why I am making it a priority to fight for better support as no student should have to choose between attending classes and caring for their child. This survey is a great first step towards fairness, opportunity, and recognising the real-life challenges many of our students face."

What is the survey all about?

Similar to our research into the Cost of Living project, the reasoning behind this survey is we want to understand:

• Your experience as a parent, or guardian, to influence 
  decision-making at the University.

• How this affects you as a student.

• How this impacts your wider life.

The data collected from these surveys will contribute to how we understand you and how we make sure you get the right help and support you need as a parent, carer or guardian whilst at Arden University. 

Who should complete the survey?

This survey wants to capture the lived experiences of parents or guardians, of children under the age of 18. Therefore, if you are a student who cares for someone under 18 we want to hear from you.