Starting university is an exciting but terrifying time at any stage of life. When beginning a degree as a slightly older student, though, there are additional challenges to consider. Otherwise, you could make a decision that makes the next year to five years a real struggle.
Use the answers to the five questions below for guidance, and you won’t go far wrong.
Q1. Will the degree open up opportunities?
When starting a degree at a slightly older age, it’s important to accept your life situation. If money is your main motive, there is little point in studying in a field where it will take 20 years after graduation to start making real money. An aeronautics degree will prepare you for a thriving career in aviation, where you could progress to earn big bucks in a matter of years. Conversely, if you take a TV production degree, it may be years before you outgrow the role of runner. Of course, money might not be your main incentive, but it’s something to consider.
Q2. Where should I study?
As a youngster, heading off to a new city or country for studies is immensely exciting. After all, university is a time for personal growth as well as academic education. By now, though, you have a pretty good idea of who you are. You aren’t as interested in chasing the nightlife and want to focus on the study. It may be possible to take an online degree from home. If you do not have ties like a mortgage, this could be your chance to relocate to the place where you think you want to work for the long haul. Choosing the right institute is vital.
Q3. How will I cope, financially?
Unlocking a better financial future is one of the chief reasons for starting university at an older age. However, the short-term financial situation may look severely compromised. Therefore, you must learn to ask how you will financially survive. There are ways to make money while you’re at university. Meanwhile, some mature students may find that it’s possible to sell off some assets. When combined with a conscious effort to reduce your expenses and live in a cost-effective manner, you will find a way to make things work.
Learning healthy financial habits, can be a struggle at any age, try using the SMART financial method if you are struggling.
If you are considering creating a money making blog whilst at university, why not refer to my resources page, or my university archive for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make more money online. This is something that can be achieved at any age.
Q4. Are you prepared for the sacrifices?
Higher education is an investment into your future. Nonetheless, as the points above show, compromises will be needed in other aspects of your life. You need to consider how it will impact your family life. You need to check that you are willing to take the leap of faith. You need to know that you have a slightly selfish and driven approach. The fact that you are even reading this suggests that you are determined to make it work. But if you discover that this isn’t the path for you, other routes to success are available.
Q5. Can you afford to wait any longer?
If you’re currently itching to give university a try, you probably should. You don’t want to wake up in 10 years and regret your decision to resist the urge. After all, in another decade, the ship may have sailed.
You might find that even in a few years time, that your circumstances have massively changed. You may have children, a co-dependant or a partner meaning you can’t make the decision. If COVID19 had taught us anything, it’s that if you want to do it, now is the time.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever thought of going to university as a mature student? Or if you’ve considered in going back to university?
If you enjoyed this check out How To Get Into University and Preparing To Go To University Away From Home.
This is such a great post! The last point is so important, it can be so easy to put things off, but then by the time you get around to it the moment has already passed you by xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Really interesting ideas – do you have personal experience of being a mature/post-grad student? A lot of these were the questions the had to ask myself last year, contemplating going for a PhD. Ultimately, given how strange the experience would have been this year I didn’t, but it could be a possibility later
I’m actually undertaking my PhD in the middle of a pandemic! I’m approaching my 3rd year of a part time PhD. So just over half way 🙂
Such interesting points! I went to uni straight after school, but with this whole pandemic it’s forced everything to take a second look at their current job and evaluate if its right for them! So worth going to uni if it’s going to help you grow career (or even person) wise!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
I was a mature student when I went to uni (only by a few years) and it’s been along time since I did my degree. I’d like to continue with something so this was useful!
Another really helpful post. I think location of study is super important!
Rosie
This was such an interesting read! I passed on university just after finishing high school because I had no idea what I wanted to do and then for the last couple of years thought about going back. Maybe I’ll enroll in a short course to start. thank you for sharing x
A really useful post. I was 40 when I graduated (History) & really enjoyed my time there, despite feeling far to old to be having exam stress! Universities tend to like mature students and there’s usually good support available.
Great advice for anyone considering going to university, I often wonder how different life could be if I had decided to go to uni x
Great pieces of advice. Really relevant
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
This is such a useful post, there are so many things to consider before starting university as a mature student. I love the last point you made, it’s like a it’s a now or never situation! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
These are great questions to ask before going to university. I’ll be honest, I had known about these questions between I went to university (even though I went right after high school so not quite a mature student status) as it really would have made me stop and make sure it was the best thing for me to do – because to be perfectly honest going to university was one of the worst decisions I made.
Although I would be a mature student now, I definitely wouldn’t rule out University in the future if I wanted / needed to go or was having a change of career! Great advice for anyone considering it 🙂 x
This is such a great post! I’m thinking of doing a masters in a few years once I’ve saved up a bit of money so I’ll definitely be revisiting this post then for tips! xx
These are definitely some really good questions to ask and I feel like a college graduate could benefit from these too before heading of to university x
I really want to go back to University (I dropped out after Mum died), but I think it’s going to be in a few years time for me for sure. This is a great post, thank you! xx
This is all great advice! I’ve thought a few times about going back to university but I’m not sure I’m ready quite yet! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk