Group assignments just got easier for parents studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The Library at its Sippy Downs campus is now home to a new parent study area with children’s books, puzzles, play kitchen and a yellow submarine.

2019 Master of Teaching (Secondary) graduate, current Honours student and mother of two young children, Rubie Orman-Ditchfield said the customised space was a great idea for people trying to balance family and study commitments.

“The biggest challenge about studying while parenting young children is the need to plan your study in advance – and often throwing those plans out the window later,” said Rubie, who is now enjoying her career as a teacher at Maroochydore State High School.

“I rarely used the university’s library to complete assignments because I didn’t want the kids to make any noise, so having a welcoming space like this will make a huge difference."

UniSC Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Denise Wood said the library space added to other family-friendly initiatives on campus, including baby change facilities and student support services specific to parents.

“Many of our students are parents, so we are always looking for practical ways to make it easier for them to juggle university with their other responsibilities,” Professor Wood said.

She said the parent study area, with many items donated by UniSC’s School of Education, was strategically located away from quiet zones, near larger tables where students could collaborate on assignments with children “supervised but preoccupied”.

“It’s also right next to study booths, so parents can sit there and quietly study while their child is playing next to them,” Professor Wood said.

Rubie expected the library addition to help parents and their children become more comfortable at university.

“One thing I learned quickly was the ability to adapt, and I got a lot of support from my tutors. I was welcome in class with my newborn and everyone in class was super understanding.”