Going back to university in my late 20's, is it feasible?

First of all, well done for being brave enough at the age of eighteen years old to recognise that the degree you were studying wasn’t for you and stepping away. Secondly, for considering returning to education as a mature student after carving yourself a successful career.

I had a similar experience in that I didn’t quite get the grades needed aged 18 years of age to study in my chosen field, so instead of going to university for the sake of it, I decided to work full-time. I ended up with a full-time, permanent, job I loved, but kept returning to the idea of studying at university. Therefore, I finally decided it was an itch I wanted to scratch and applied to university and was fortunate enough to be offered places at different universities. I had applied to universities down south and up north but I quickly decided that I wished to study in the North. This was due to a variety of reasons, one being that I have always wanted to live in the North, second the cost of living when I applied was slightly cheaper in the North, and third for my chosen area of study (Theatre and Performance Practice) Salford was the ideal location with companies such as BBC & ITV on my doorstep.

I did look at studying part-time, and like you, I was worried about transitioning from a full-time salary to a student loan and possibly part-time work, however, it is rare to find a part-time performing arts degree. Therefore, I used the fact (that like yourself) I worked remotely to save as much as possible.

It was helpful to have this cushion for when I moved from the South to the North, and it allowed me to get familiar with the course, settle into my new life, and make friends before needing to get a job. I do need to work to help cover my bills, but appreciate my outgoings are slightly higher than some other students because I choose to run a car etc. Consequently, I have begun working part-time as a Student Ambassador, which has been excellent as I can pick and choose when I work, I am paid the living wage, I can pick and choose when I work. For example, more during my university holidays and less around deadlines. You will find there will be a wide variety of jobs available for mature students, be it remote or in-person if you were to become a mature student. It is worth contacting your chosen university’s student services to check if they have a list of reputable local employers or any job recommendations.

I am sorry to hear you have hit a ceiling in your current role, but it’s great you have recognised now that this is not what you wish to continue doing long-term and have begun researching your other options.

It is worth checking if your chosen degree offers the option to study part-time or whether it is just full-time, see how many hours of contact time of the course you might have alongside your independent studies to enable you to determine how many hours you could work during your term time/holidays. Then if you apply, receive offers, and accept a place you will already have that information to hand should you wish to have a conversation with your employer about continuing to work for them whilst studying.

It is worth noting that if you do decide to study in London and apply for student finance you are entitled to an increased student loan, as SFE recognise the cost of living is higher in London.

Additionally, you have mentioned being a bit dubious about going into a house share, I shared this concern having never lived in a house share before and living on my own before attending university. As a result, I chose not to go into student halls, instead I found a small student house share. I found a house with just two other roommates, a separate toilet and shower room (to manage us all getting out of the door in the mornings), and my own tenancy agreement so that if one of my housemates decided to move out before their tenancy finished it wasn’t my responsibility to replace them. I did not know my two housemates before moving in, but they are lovely, we do hang out now and again, but also tend to give each other space.

I would recommend joining a society or two if you go to university because although you might be friends with your coursemates and at work if you decide to work alongside your studies, this is another fantastic way to meet like-minded people. They’re usually affordable if your university might even offer some funding towards the cost (as mine does). For example, I joined the Mature Students and the Archery Society at my university. The Mature Students' Society has been especially helpful to me because although I have lots of friends on my course, I am the oldest in my year, therefore it has been reassuring to meet a wide range of other mature students.

I admit returning to studying and going from working with an older workforce to a younger one and living on a smaller financial budget hasn't been without its challenges, however, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I have no regrets.

I hope this has been useful. Feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Best wishes

Lucy 😊
(Official University of Salford Student Rep)