The stereotypical student is perhaps a callow youth, full of cheap SU bar cocktails and excitement at being away from parental supervision. However, this is a little misleading, since these days many people take time away to work or travel before pursuing a degree.
As such, we feel it’s important to offer a few helpful pointers for our more ‘mature’ readers, especially those who are starting or thinking about beginning an adventure in higher education.
1. ‘Mature’ ≠ ‘Old’
It might conjure up an image of a middle-aged individual, probably smoking a pipe and tutting at young people, but the term ‘mature student’ actually encompasses anyone over 21 who didn’t attend university immediately after school or college.
It’s important to realise this, as the application process for mature students is often different and you may be able to draw on your experience in the ‘real world’ outside of university, even if you’re not quite the older, worldly-wise being that ‘mature’ sometimes implies.
2. Part-Time Flexibility
One thing that can put people off enrolling as a ‘mature student’ is having additional responsibilities, such as work or family. However, you can often apply to study part-time if you contact the university directly, so it’s worth checking which courses offer this option.
Part-time students with less than £16,000 in savings may also be able to claim extra financial aid, such as housing benefit and income support. Make sure you know your entitlements.
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3. Use Your Experience
Whether you’ve spent a few years backpacking or the last few decades working, you’ll have one distinct advantage over many of your fellow undergraduates: experience.
The decision to attend university as a mature student may mean you have a much better sense of why you’re there (e.g. changing career or developing specific skills) than many students. Use this to your advantage by prioritising the things that matter most to you.
Likewise, if you’ve already had a ‘proper’ job, you’re probably used to getting up in the mornings by now, so those 9AM seminars will come as less of a shock to the system.
4. Don’t Fear the Young People
If the flush of youth is now slightly behind you, that doesn’t mean you should feel out of place at university. Most students are friendly and don’t care about your age, as long as you’re happy to get a round in at the pub after lectures.
If you feel like you need some grown-up company, however, many student unions have mature student societies. Additionally, most unions have elected mature student officers dedicated to addressing issues that affect mature learners and who can help if you need advice.