Adult Learners - FAQs
I am applying to do a degree course in my late 30s after bringing up a family. Will I be very out of place among younger students?
Personal experiences vary but most mature students report that they get on very well with the other students and soon forget about any age difference. You might feel a little hesitant about speaking up in discussions at first but you won't be the only one. Younger students will be nervous too! You might feel more comfortable if there are other older students on the course and you would be able to give each other moral support. It would be a good idea to contact the admissions tutors of courses that interest you and ask whether they get many mature applicants.
Isn't university really expensive? What can I do?
There is a variety of financial help available. You need to find out from your Local Education Authority (LEA) what help you are entitled to. Here is a useful link to the Surrey County Council Support Available to Students page which contains up-to-date financial information:
Further information: www.surreycc.gov.uk
I've started an Access course. I know what degree course I want to do but how can my tutors write a reference at this stage?
Admissions tutors will understand that your referee does not know you very well as yet and that it will be difficult to predict how well you might do. The referee can put a brief reference on the UCAS form and add that s/he will supply a more detailed one later. A copy of this second reference should be sent to each of the universities you apply to - NOT to UCAS.
Can I get a loan as a mature student?
You can apply for a loan from the Student Loans Company if you are under 50. If you are aged between 50 and 54 at the start of your course you can still apply - but must be able to show that you plan to return to employment when the course ends.