The idea of returning to education later in life might be a scary thought. However, this might be the opportunity to achieve a lifelong dream and more people than you would expect to do actually become mature students. Here are some tips to help you make a successful transition back into education in later life and add something new to your CV.
Get the entry qualifications
As a mature student, you may find that the standard entry requirements do not reflect the qualifications that you studied when you were at school or college. However, many higher education institutions actually offer access to their degree courses through equivalent experience or qualifications. If in doubt, email or ring the admissions department, and they will be able to advise. If, however, you have not got a Grade C or above in GCSE English or mathematics, you are likely to need to gain this prior to being accepted onto a university course. Evening classes or online GCSE courses might be an option if this is relevant to you.
Find the right course
Choosing the course most suited to you is of vital importance, otherwise, you may come to the conclusion that your time as a mature student has been pointless. If you have pursued a career in education, for example, but you have decided that it isn’t really for you, it might be a bit trickier to find the right course for you. Consider what your interests are and how a certain degree course could lead to your ideal job in the future.
Find the right university
If you have commitments in your home town, it might be that you do not have much room for manoeuvre when it comes to choosing your university. However, with fewer ties, you have a much wider list from which to choose. Carrying out research into the relevant department can give you plenty of information about the quality of the teaching, the variety of modules you can opt to study and the number of students who will enrol on the course. You should also consider the various societies that exist, such as sports, theatre, music; most universities even have a society dedicated to mature students.
Consider finances
If you have been earning a substantial salary for a long period of time, giving up work and becoming a full-time student can be a challenging time. If you have savings, these would help to buffer the gap between past and present income. You will also most likely be eligible for receiving a student loan for tuition fees and also another for other living costs. Of course, while you would be expected to do your own study outside of the dedicated lecture hours, your taught hours would allow for you to find a part-time job, which many mature students do in order to keep afloat financially.
Have an open mind
It might feel a little nerve-wracking to return to full-time education. However, try to be a little bit more laid back and take each step with an open mind. You could have the most life-changing experience being there and, just because you are a mature student, it does not mean that you cannot fully immerse yourself in the traditional student experience. Have fun!
