With the growing need for qualifications in the workplace, more and more people are going back to university or starting university courses in their 30s, 40s and beyond. In fact, in the UK around 20% of new graduates are over the age of 25. And it’s even higher in the US, with about 39% of students in the older age range. As with most things, there are pros and cons and it’s important to consider them before making a decision.
While 18-year-olds are in college to improve their chances in the job market, they have many other reasons for being so. They want to enjoy the student experience, often living away from home for the first time, with access to cheap alcohol and entertainment, new friends and a whole new environment. All of this is an important part of growing up and finding your way in the world, but it gives older students a distinct advantage, as they generally focus much more on education as a means of getting a better job and better quality of life. life. Teachers therefore welcome mature students, knowing that they are likely to take their studies more seriously than school leavers.
However, while mature students may not be tempted to exceed the college bar, they may be facing learning for the first time in many years. Therefore, they may have more trouble adjusting to studies than their younger colleagues. Fortunately, universities and colleges now provide extra help to help students of all ages and backgrounds overcome early learning problems, providing workshops on study skills, individual homework help, and specialized dyslexia and literacy tutors and arithmetic.
If you are concerned about your ability to keep up, you should check with the university in advance to see how much support is available. You’ll also find that teachers are much more approachable these days and classes are much more student-centered than ever before. So don’t be discouraged if you had bad experiences in school. It may be possible, or even advisable, to take a short course before starting a career or professional qualification. This will make it easier for you to get back to studying and fix any problems before facing deadlines, exams and other pressures of a high-level course.
As an older student, you may also have to adjust to having less money, especially if you previously had a high-paying job. Alternatively, she may need to continue working to support a family. This can create additional stress, so plan your schedule before starting your course. This involves putting your support system in place, to ensure that childcare arrangements and work schedules are arranged to facilitate study and conference attendance. If you think that working full time will not be possible, it is essential that you plan your finances accordingly, be it by saving, taking out a loan and, of course, checking if there is any financial aid available in the form of study grants. gold scholarships.
A popular alternative for older students is distance learning. In fact, with student debt spiraling, many younger students are choosing this option as well. It can be a great way to balance existing responsibilities with gaining new qualifications. Titles are often modular, allowing students to adjust their pace of study if necessary.
If you missed out on studying when you were younger, going to college in midlife can be a liberating and exciting experience.
© Waller Jamison 2007
