Mature Students (21+) Chat

Hi

I'm due to start an Access to HE Science course this September, hoping to get the grades to progress onto a Mining Engineering degree at Tremough, Cornwall. I'm 27 and in the process of leaving my marketing job - I work with great people, earning a great salary, but don't think I can see myself doing it happily 10 years down the line as it's not my main interest. So all in all, a bit of a leap of faith!

That's amazing!! So much respect for you. I'm considering doing a Science Access course too! It's difficult taking that leap though especially as I'm in a very loving relationship. I'm trying so hard to weigh up my options

Oh huge kudos!
I haven't had to give up anything to go to uni in September and it's still been a leap of faith (might actually turn out to be rubbish at writing stories ) so I really take my hat off to you.
The only real regret you'll have will be if, in 10 years time, you haven't tried to follow your dreams. Good luck!

It's a really difficult choice - I'm in a similar situation with my girlfriend, we've been together for around 12 years now, she's been really supportive. We won't be on a steady income, and it's put on hold our plans for a house and kids etc for a few years, but you've got to think about it long term. My other half would rather that we don't have much money for the next few years (we'll manage...just) but at the end of it, we'll be better off, and be in a more comfortable position, financially and job satisfaction wise.

Oh wow, so you and your partner have been together since you were 15? So much respect to see such a committed relationship! Are you hoping to study at Tremough University in Cornwall because it is local to you or are you having to move away?

Any relationship advice on this kind of situation would also be appreciated. I haven't yet discussed with my partner that I am considering an Access course followed by University as I'm not sure she would be happy postponing plans to buy a house and have kids etc.

Yep, surprisingly she's put up with me since school!
Tremough University is literally a 5 minute drive from where I live. Lots of family and friends in the area, and recently converted a barn out of my savings, so living mortgage and rent free is a massive bonus too, hence why now seemed like the time to go for it.

I would definitely suggest talking through it with your partner - I explained all the benefits to going back to education, and everything that we could gain by it for sacrificing a few years of financial stability, and setting back plans for house and kids etc is a small price to pay in the grander scheme of things; 27 is still comparitively young, and we would both benefit from having kids and mortgage commitments once we're in a better position a few years down the line. She would definitely rather have me in a job that I was happy in, rather than putting up with me moaning when I come back from work!

That's amazing!! So much respect for you. I'm considering doing a Science Access course too! It's difficult taking that leap though especially as I'm in a very loving relationship. I'm trying so hard to weigh up my options

I thought you just took your A-level exams?

I did, but like a few people on here I flopped on two Maths modules (C3 and S2). Besides, I was only self-teaching 2 A-levels which is why I'm considering an Access course.

Are you still going to do A-levels?

Ahh that sucks about the modules. That makes sense though.

No, my college closed their sixth form at the eleventh hour, there's nowhere locally I could take the practical components and for various reasons I can't move. So, starting an Access to Science course in September instead. It's not the end of the world. Means I can't apply to Cambridge anymore though T_T

Tbh I'm still weighing up my options as to whether I'm just being crazy wanting to go to University!

Haha, I can't help you there; I'm in the oddly enviable position of not wanting kids and not particularly minding where I live, same goes for my boyfriend, so I have no major ties. Only reason I can't move right now is due to lack of income (boyfriend is basically subsidising me as he owns his place), which won't apply when I'm at uni...

I'm just sort of ambling into the abyss right now 😂

Oh really? You don't ever want to have kids? Also, do you not want to live near your boyfriend when you go to University? What is it you're hoping to study btw?

Just to give a bit of encouragement to anyone starting or thinking of starting an Access course, if I can do it you can too :-)

I'm 52, married, with 2 children. Last August I suddenly realised that one son would be starting at uni and the other would be starting his placement year in America and that I would be left at home. In an attempt to keep me sane the eldest son persuaded me to apply for an Access Bioscience course at our local college; I was super surprised when they accepted me as I haven't been in education for 35 years!. I was very nervous about starting the course because I knew that I would be by far the oldest (old enough to be everyone's mum or even grandma), but they were all lovely and we're the best of friends now.

I thought that just finishing the course and aiming for 45 distinctions would be enough for me but seeing my classmates getting offers from uni's made me wonder whether I should apply. I also realised that I would be in the same position this September as last. So, I applied late to two uni's and got offers from both, I've firmed Bristol University and have met my entry requirements so should be going in September. I'll travel up on a Monday and come home on a Friday. I am very scared, getting older doesn't make this stuff any easier, it's perhaps just a little easier to admit to it. I can't believe how far I've come in a year or how much I've learned, it's been brilliant.
Go for it people, you can do it if you work hard xx

Just to give a bit of encouragement to anyone starting or thinking of starting an Access course, if I can do it you can too :-)