In the UK adult learners are classed as mature students from the age of 21+ at the beginning of undergraduate studies and aged 25+ at the beginning of postgraduate studies. In 2020 24% of the UK student population were mature students (Bolton and Hubble, 2021). This means whatever course you chose to study you are not alone! There are plenty of other mature students having similar experiences!

I am a mature student and when I decided to return to education and pursue my undergraduate degree at Hallam I was filled with nerves and excitement. Initially I was concerned about whether I would have the ability to learn again and return to education. Would I be able to fit it all in with my work and home life? I also worried about settling into university as a mature student. Would I make new friends? Well, the answer is I am now in my third year, and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made starting at Sheffield Hallam. With the support of my family, I have been able to manage work and home life and I have met other mature students who I’m sure will be life-long friends.

Being a mature student at Hallam has many advantages:

Mature students have a clear understanding of what they want to do

Mature students are often furthering their education to improve their career prospects, or they are changing their career path. Therefore, they usually know exactly what degree they want to do and what it will lead to. When I started at Hallam, I wanted to take a different career path and had a specific career plan. I knew which degree I wanted to take to increase my employability. Knowing what I wanted to do has also helped me in my decision making when choosing elective modules throughout my degree.

Mature students have experience

Although I am personally seeking a change in career, my past employment and voluntary experiences have helped while studying. I have been able to use a wide range of skills I previously acquired such as communication, teamwork, organisation, analytical thinking, presentation, and reflection, which have all assisted my academic learning. Mature students usually have to balance many other commitments such as work and family life which also makes them good at time management, a skill which is definitely required for those all-important deadlines!

Studying can be challenging but exciting!

Honestly, the beginning of my degree was challenging as I had to get used to doing a lot of reading, research, statistical data analysis, and improve my academic writing skills. However, I was so energised by the academic atmosphere at Hallam and so happy to be there that this spurred me on to succeed- or at very least try my best! My enthusiasm helped me adapt to these new learning processes. As a mature student I felt more excited about this new experience, and I wanted to make the most of it, so I used this to empower myself and overcome any academic or social challenges I felt I had. I asked tutors questions if I was unsure about something, and they were always happy to explain the subject area.

Mature students make their own decisions

Mature students have often mastered independent decision-making skills. They have usually motivated themselves to start the university journey. Only I decided to begin a degree! Nobody else was persuading me what I should or shouldn’t do. Mature students also often view the process as a positive opportunity for self-development.

Mature students are inspired by other mature students

At first, I did sometimes wonder, am I doing the right thing? But these thoughts were always dismissed as I met other mature students at Hallam with amazing, interesting career experiences and ambitions to learn further and progress. Hearing other individual experiences encouraged me to persevere and made me want to succeed. It gave me belief that I could do it too! Some of my tutors, who were working towards their PHD’s and furthering their academic learning while caring for families and working also inspired me to continue. It made me realise learning really is a life-long process and should be a pleasure.

Sheffield Hallam provides an ideal environment and plenty of support for mature students who are looking to progress a current career path or change careers. It is a safe, diverse, and welcoming place where studying is an enjoyable and pleasant learning process.

By Laura Oldroyd

Reference:
Bolton, P. & Hubble, S. (2021) Mature Students in England. House of Commons Library. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8809/