‘It has been an uphill battle from the get go’: The experiences of single parents studying at university in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

Single-parent families represent a significant proportion of all UK families, but literature suggests that they face challenges in accessing, participating in, and completing Higher Education (HE). This article draws on data obtained from three months mixed-methods research 2021 with single-parent students to explore the meanings being single parent studying at university context COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so it considers personal demands pandemic placed students, avenues support available for HE system. These issues are then analysed within theoretical framework argue occupied simultaneous position agency mastery HE. The concludes key recommendations change: (1) Universities should collect student parents use this enable tailored via services; (2) work Student Unions ensure parent-friendly freshers activities ongoing social/support groups parents; (3) make concrete changes campus space, including introduction accessible, flexible, discounted childcare campus, baby rooms, baby-changing facilities. would significantly improve experiences UK.