Thinking of going to UNI ?10 Reasons Why YOU Can Go Back To Uni As A Mature Student.

Thinking a going back to Uni ?

The New Year always brings new year resolutions and for some it is a time of reflecting on their career and seriously considering going back to University to re-train.( I know the feeling)

Many people don’t actually do any thing about it and instead create obstacles, excuses and reasons why they can’t.

If you are a mature student ( anyone over 21 and there are over 9000 at Glasgow University) here are my Top Ten Reasons why you should become a ‘mature student’

I will soon finish my 5 years of University. I graduated with an LL.B (Hons) from the University fo Glasgow in 2009 and I am currently completing the Diploma in Legal Practice DipLP .

I returned to education at the ripe old age of 37 and hey ; If I can do it you can.

Top Ten Reasons WHY YOU CAN Do It.

1. Committment –
Mature Students have committment.
Ok, so you know whats happening in the world.
You can already make decisions based on your own life experiences.When you start the journey through Education chances are you will finish it just because of your being a ‘mature student’.It takes committment: have you got it ?YES

2.confidence
Mature Students are confident

University can be a surreal environment for new students.One of the big benefits of being a mature student is the confidence to participate in discussions and seminars. Enter any seminar room or lecture theatres and there we are ‘AT THE FRONT– deep on conversation and asking questions.

3.Knowledge –
Mature Students Know Things-lots of things
Ok, so maybe you already have a degree but maybe you don’t? Many Life long learning mature students are starting University this year without much formal education but what they bring however is informal knoweldge.Skills they have picked up along the way.From all experiences in life.

4.Time Management
Mature Students can plan organise and multi-task.

Come on, if you’re a mature student you already know how to manage your time.The young students straight from school often struggle with :How to structure your day and spend most of it asleep or in the pub. Our Dean of The Faculty of Law Prof Noreen Burrow actually told us on our first week that when she started University she missed the full three weeks at the beginning of term as she was in the pub and didn’t realise she had to actually GO to class.

5.Vison
Mature student HAVE vision and are not afraid to use it.
If your seriously considering re training then its safe to say you already have a goal – it may be ‘not to be doing what you are doing just now but you may have a fixed goal – to become a lawyer, scientist,designer etc . Many of your peers will have absolutely no idea what they could possible become . Having a goal gives you a big advantage.You know where your destination is and all you have to do is buy a ticket , get on that train and enjoy the journey.

6. Guts
Mature students are not shy in coming forward
As a mature student you already know yourself pretty well. When you find an area of study that confuses you will find there is always someone at University that can help and guide you. Mature students use the services of Skill support staff without a second thought.

7.Accomplishment
Mature students recognise small accomplishments , like finishing that first book, writing that first essay and sitting the first exams. All of these experiences are different for mature students than for their Younger counterparts we appreciate them.

8. Support from Family –
Mature Students have ‘troops’
So you’ve decided that you want to go back to University.You’ve searched the Internet for courses, filled in your UCAS form and bought your books. The biggest help you will find throughout your days of study will be from YOUR friends and family and as a mature student we already have the support network in place we have given birth to them, we have ironed their shirts. Wives, husband and kids all travel the journey with you.If you have a supportive family then you are already way in front

9.Money
Mature students often have none:

ok so not everyone has savings and if you do it’s a bonus.If you don’t then there are many agencies, trusts and benefactors who support Mature students from all back grounds with Bursaries and Loans.Think ahead and start thinking FUNDING even whilst you fill in that UCAS form.I did.

10.YOU
Mature Students have the BEST person on their team

You know you.
You know exactly what YOU can do.
You’ve given birth to children.You’ve multi tasked.You’ve ran a football team. You’ve been part of a team,.You’ve handled a work load. You’ve budgeted. YOU know exactly what you are capable of.

Life – now that’s hard

A Degree? Piece of cake.
(Actually it is a lot of very hard work and has many highs and lows but I can honestly say that there has never been a day that I have regretted going to University)
What’s stopping you now?

I Returned to Glasgow University in 2005 aged 37 with a 9-year-old daughter and a 9 month old baby to study Law as I want to become a Lawyer.

I studied religion and philosophy on the Access course from 2004-2005.
I Studied for my LLB (Hons) Bachelor of laws from 2005-2009
I currently study Diploma in Legal Practice at University of Glasgow.
I was elected President of Glasgow University Mature Student Association for Three years.
Winner of Elizabeth Aitkin Award for Achievement in Access
Scottish Adult Learners award 2007

Hey IF I can do it.You can.

Michelle Hynes LL.B (Hons) DipLP
@Legaleaglemhm