25 years old and not sure what I'm doing

This might be a long one, so thank you for taking the time to read this.

So back in 2015, I started a-levels and ended up not doing very well in them because of my mental health. Therefore, I didn't go to uni but instead I applied for level 3 health and social care at another college close by. I did this with the intention of studying nursing. I thought that's what I wanted to do but as I was nearing the end of the course and starting to apply for unis, I quickly realised it's not what I wanted to do at all. Looking back, I was doing this as I thought it was the easy option because most people can train to be a nurse and I didn't think I would be smart enough to do anything else (I don't mean this to come across rude to those doing nursing, I understand that nursing is not easy in the slightest). Although I had lost interest in nursing, I still applied for children's nursing at multiple unis. I didn't receive offers for children's nursing but was offered adult nursing instead but I really didn't want to do that so I just never responded.
I would have started September 2019, but covid quickly came and I was glad I didn't go to uni, especially to study nursing.
I took a few years out not really doing anything (mostly because of covid tbh), but in 2022, I got a job at a local cafe/bakery shop. Although I love it, it is just the same old thing day in day out.
Now, other family members are reaching the age of going to uni and I can't help but feel low key jealous of them. I am happy for them but I can't shake this feeling of 'it should have been me'. I still live at home, but I've always wanted that experience of going to uni and living in a city (I live in Cornwall...).
I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life but I have come to realise I want to work within the music industry. I'm not sure what though as I can't write or play music (I am trying to teach myself guitar 😅). I am open to anything really.
But even if I don't end up doing that, I still want the experience of city living but I feel like I'm stuck here. I feel like I can't move out now because I don't want to leave my mum. My cousin has just moved to uni, and my sister is going next year. I don't want to disappoint my work colleagues (I don't think disappoint is the right word but the closest I can think of right now).
I've missed out on the opportunity to have the 'uni experience'. I know older people do go to uni, but they generally live in an area where they have one close by. If I were to go, I would have to move as though I was 18 and I'm not sure how that would go down with other 18 year olds. I would like to experience halls but again, not sure how that would go down. Is there such thing as mature student halls?
I just need a bit of advice on what to do. Perhaps you've had a similar experience on have come out of the other side. I feel like I'm having a bit of a quarter life crisis 🙃 .

Thank you to anyone who has made it this far, I just ask that no one is nasty towards me. I can take critical advice but please don't be mean. Thank you ♥️

(I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post to go, but figured there might be more mature people in this one)

Reply 1

Cotes1

Original post by x-shania-x

This might be a long one, so thank you for taking the time to read this.
So back in 2015, I started a-levels and ended up not doing very well in them because of my mental health. Therefore, I didn't go to uni but instead I applied for level 3 health and social care at another college close by. I did this with the intention of studying nursing. I thought that's what I wanted to do but as I was nearing the end of the course and starting to apply for unis, I quickly realised it's not what I wanted to do at all. Looking back, I was doing this as I thought it was the easy option because most people can train to be a nurse and I didn't think I would be smart enough to do anything else (I don't mean this to come across rude to those doing nursing, I understand that nursing is not easy in the slightest). Although I had lost interest in nursing, I still applied for children's nursing at multiple unis. I didn't receive offers for children's nursing but was offered adult nursing instead but I really didn't want to do that so I just never responded.
I would have started September 2019, but covid quickly came and I was glad I didn't go to uni, especially to study nursing.
I took a few years out not really doing anything (mostly because of covid tbh), but in 2022, I got a job at a local cafe/bakery shop. Although I love it, it is just the same old thing day in day out.
Now, other family members are reaching the age of going to uni and I can't help but feel low key jealous of them. I am happy for them but I can't shake this feeling of 'it should have been me'. I still live at home, but I've always wanted that experience of going to uni and living in a city (I live in Cornwall...).
I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life but I have come to realise I want to work within the music industry. I'm not sure what though as I can't write or play music (I am trying to teach myself guitar 😅). I am open to anything really.
But even if I don't end up doing that, I still want the experience of city living but I feel like I'm stuck here. I feel like I can't move out now because I don't want to leave my mum. My cousin has just moved to uni, and my sister is going next year. I don't want to disappoint my work colleagues (I don't think disappoint is the right word but the closest I can think of right now).
I've missed out on the opportunity to have the 'uni experience'. I know older people do go to uni, but they generally live in an area where they have one close by. If I were to go, I would have to move as though I was 18 and I'm not sure how that would go down with other 18 year olds. I would like to experience halls but again, not sure how that would go down. Is there such thing as mature student halls?
I just need a bit of advice on what to do. Perhaps you've had a similar experience on have come out of the other side. I feel like I'm having a bit of a quarter life crisis 🙃 .
Thank you to anyone who has made it this far, I just ask that no one is nasty towards me. I can take critical advice but please don't be mean. Thank you ♥️
(I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post to go, but figured there might be more mature people in this one)

It is unacceptable for people to be nasty on here but I have seen it happen.

I was a mature student at 23 and really liked it.

Whilst it can be hard to make friends at university, whatever your age, you can help things by mixing in as much as possible. If you don't see your age as a barrier, other students will accept it too.

I also joined the mature students association and I was the youngest there by over 10 years 😂but I made friends amongst other mature students too.

You can research different types of accommodation and see what suits you best.

There are some 18 year olds who don't want to party and there are mature students who do like to party.🙂

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

x-shania-x

Thank you for replying, I really appreciate it :smile:

Reply 3

KazStudies

Original post by x-shania-x

This might be a long one, so thank you for taking the time to read this.
So back in 2015, I started a-levels and ended up not doing very well in them because of my mental health. Therefore, I didn't go to uni but instead I applied for level 3 health and social care at another college close by. I did this with the intention of studying nursing. I thought that's what I wanted to do but as I was nearing the end of the course and starting to apply for unis, I quickly realised it's not what I wanted to do at all. Looking back, I was doing this as I thought it was the easy option because most people can train to be a nurse and I didn't think I would be smart enough to do anything else (I don't mean this to come across rude to those doing nursing, I understand that nursing is not easy in the slightest). Although I had lost interest in nursing, I still applied for children's nursing at multiple unis. I didn't receive offers for children's nursing but was offered adult nursing instead but I really didn't want to do that so I just never responded.
I would have started September 2019, but covid quickly came and I was glad I didn't go to uni, especially to study nursing.
I took a few years out not really doing anything (mostly because of covid tbh), but in 2022, I got a job at a local cafe/bakery shop. Although I love it, it is just the same old thing day in day out.
Now, other family members are reaching the age of going to uni and I can't help but feel low key jealous of them. I am happy for them but I can't shake this feeling of 'it should have been me'. I still live at home, but I've always wanted that experience of going to uni and living in a city (I live in Cornwall...).
I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life but I have come to realise I want to work within the music industry. I'm not sure what though as I can't write or play music (I am trying to teach myself guitar 😅). I am open to anything really.
But even if I don't end up doing that, I still want the experience of city living but I feel like I'm stuck here. I feel like I can't move out now because I don't want to leave my mum. My cousin has just moved to uni, and my sister is going next year. I don't want to disappoint my work colleagues (I don't think disappoint is the right word but the closest I can think of right now).
I've missed out on the opportunity to have the 'uni experience'. I know older people do go to uni, but they generally live in an area where they have one close by. If I were to go, I would have to move as though I was 18 and I'm not sure how that would go down with other 18 year olds. I would like to experience halls but again, not sure how that would go down. Is there such thing as mature student halls?
I just need a bit of advice on what to do. Perhaps you've had a similar experience on have come out of the other side. I feel like I'm having a bit of a quarter life crisis 🙃 .
Thank you to anyone who has made it this far, I just ask that no one is nasty towards me. I can take critical advice but please don't be mean. Thank you ♥️
(I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post to go, but figured there might be more mature people in this one)

I’m not going to call you out about the nursing degree comment as I can see you realise that no degree is ‘easy’. First of all I did everything in the ‘right’ order did my A levels at 16-18 went to university 18-21. I failed my third year, mainly because I messed about but also because I was doing a degree I hated (business information management) I did it because I thought I had to do it because everyone else was at uni. As I’ve got older I’ve realised that university is not for everyone and not needed for every career. I worked in finance for 18 years before realising just how bored I really was because it was a safe and relatively easy career (so you can achieve a good career without a degree). I can see you are thinking about what your next move will be, but before committing to a degree have a good think about if you are going to enjoy the degree and what career prospects it will give you. At the age of 25 I was still unsure what it was I wanted to do and that’s ok. I’m now 43 (yes proper old 😂) and I’m about to start my absolute dream degree in biomedical science, it’s taken me this long to decide what I want to do. The biggest down side is that because I’ve already used 3 years funding from SFE I only get 1 year of funding for my third year so I have to find the money myself for 2 years. What I’m trying to say is make sure it’s what you really want to do as you don’t get a second shot at the student loan for a full time course. Good luck in whatever you decide, and remember this is for you, not to impress others or do it because it’s expected.

Reply 4

x-shania-x

Thank you for the advice. I'm just stuck on whether I should move away and leave everything I know. Living at home at 25 kind of makes me feel like I've failed already, especially when all my old friends seem to be doing great in their lives

Reply 5

AAJXOXO

This sounds similar to me! I initially did A levels, but did not like them one bit, but was just doing it to please family. I eventually joined a uni course doing a foundation year, in Psychology with Criminology. I did this in a uni local to me. After the foundation year, I moved to a different uni, and have fallen out of love with Psychology, after everything collapsed with my personal life. So fr you are not the only one and there is definitely nothing to be ashamed of. My advice would be to definitely choose something you will really enjoy or find interesting and weigh out all your options. Funding etc. And go from there. You're more than welcome to message me too!! :smile:

Reply 6

Idklolhelpme

Hi i’ve just started my degree at 24 in speech & language therapy :smile:

I will be 27 when i finish but we all have our own timelines / journeys and age is not a barrier, i’m sure there will be mature student accommodations! I’m one of the youngest in my course as most of the students already worked in teaching / as teaching assistants before this degree, you will be ok x

Reply 7

ARUSophie

Original post by x-shania-x

This might be a long one, so thank you for taking the time to read this.
So back in 2015, I started a-levels and ended up not doing very well in them because of my mental health. Therefore, I didn't go to uni but instead I applied for level 3 health and social care at another college close by. I did this with the intention of studying nursing. I thought that's what I wanted to do but as I was nearing the end of the course and starting to apply for unis, I quickly realised it's not what I wanted to do at all. Looking back, I was doing this as I thought it was the easy option because most people can train to be a nurse and I didn't think I would be smart enough to do anything else (I don't mean this to come across rude to those doing nursing, I understand that nursing is not easy in the slightest). Although I had lost interest in nursing, I still applied for children's nursing at multiple unis. I didn't receive offers for children's nursing but was offered adult nursing instead but I really didn't want to do that so I just never responded.
I would have started September 2019, but covid quickly came and I was glad I didn't go to uni, especially to study nursing.
I took a few years out not really doing anything (mostly because of covid tbh), but in 2022, I got a job at a local cafe/bakery shop. Although I love it, it is just the same old thing day in day out.
Now, other family members are reaching the age of going to uni and I can't help but feel low key jealous of them. I am happy for them but I can't shake this feeling of 'it should have been me'. I still live at home, but I've always wanted that experience of going to uni and living in a city (I live in Cornwall...).
I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life but I have come to realise I want to work within the music industry. I'm not sure what though as I can't write or play music (I am trying to teach myself guitar 😅). I am open to anything really.
But even if I don't end up doing that, I still want the experience of city living but I feel like I'm stuck here. I feel like I can't move out now because I don't want to leave my mum. My cousin has just moved to uni, and my sister is going next year. I don't want to disappoint my work colleagues (I don't think disappoint is the right word but the closest I can think of right now).
I've missed out on the opportunity to have the 'uni experience'. I know older people do go to uni, but they generally live in an area where they have one close by. If I were to go, I would have to move as though I was 18 and I'm not sure how that would go down with other 18 year olds. I would like to experience halls but again, not sure how that would go down. Is there such thing as mature student halls?
I just need a bit of advice on what to do. Perhaps you've had a similar experience on have come out of the other side. I feel like I'm having a bit of a quarter life crisis 🙃 .
Thank you to anyone who has made it this far, I just ask that no one is nasty towards me. I can take critical advice but please don't be mean. Thank you ♥️
(I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post to go, but figured there might be more mature people in this one)

Hiya,

Sounds like you’re on the right track now as you know you’d like to do something in music! First thing I’d suggest is to start doing some research and exploring online, see what kind of roles exist out there that are to do with music. I’m personally no music expert so can’t offer much advice there but research is key. Second thing, look into different music related courses and attend some open days! Even if you’re not planning on attending that particular uni, it will give you a good insight into the course and potential future careers. You’ll be able to ask all the questions you have regarding a career in music.

I have just graduated at 33 and therefore was a mature student. In my opinion this was much better for me, I feel I have gained so much more studying as a mature student and knowing this is what I really want. I did move to make this a possibility but into a nearby town and commute into Cambridge city. If you want to experience halls, then go for it!! I’m unsure on how they allocate students in halls and if there’s such thing as mature students halls. Reach out to university accommodation teams and ask them. If halls aren’t an option, you can still rent a room. Although I didn’t move into the city, I do know mature students that moved into the city and rented rooms in student houses and have loved every minute of it!

Like you I worried for years about what to do and ultimately wasted time worrying about all the what ifs. The truth is nothing is guaranteed but if you don’t go for it, you’ll only regret it! Making the decision to move away and study are both big decisions, but I say go for it! I hope this helps 🙂

Good luck moving forward. I hope it all works out for you! Sophie 🙂

Reply 8

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post by x-shania-x

This might be a long one, so thank you for taking the time to read this.
So back in 2015, I started a-levels and ended up not doing very well in them because of my mental health. Therefore, I didn't go to uni but instead I applied for level 3 health and social care at another college close by. I did this with the intention of studying nursing. I thought that's what I wanted to do but as I was nearing the end of the course and starting to apply for unis, I quickly realised it's not what I wanted to do at all. Looking back, I was doing this as I thought it was the easy option because most people can train to be a nurse and I didn't think I would be smart enough to do anything else (I don't mean this to come across rude to those doing nursing, I understand that nursing is not easy in the slightest). Although I had lost interest in nursing, I still applied for children's nursing at multiple unis. I didn't receive offers for children's nursing but was offered adult nursing instead but I really didn't want to do that so I just never responded.
I would have started September 2019, but covid quickly came and I was glad I didn't go to uni, especially to study nursing.
I took a few years out not really doing anything (mostly because of covid tbh), but in 2022, I got a job at a local cafe/bakery shop. Although I love it, it is just the same old thing day in day out.
Now, other family members are reaching the age of going to uni and I can't help but feel low key jealous of them. I am happy for them but I can't shake this feeling of 'it should have been me'. I still live at home, but I've always wanted that experience of going to uni and living in a city (I live in Cornwall...).
I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life but I have come to realise I want to work within the music industry. I'm not sure what though as I can't write or play music (I am trying to teach myself guitar 😅). I am open to anything really.
But even if I don't end up doing that, I still want the experience of city living but I feel like I'm stuck here. I feel like I can't move out now because I don't want to leave my mum. My cousin has just moved to uni, and my sister is going next year. I don't want to disappoint my work colleagues (I don't think disappoint is the right word but the closest I can think of right now).
I've missed out on the opportunity to have the 'uni experience'. I know older people do go to uni, but they generally live in an area where they have one close by. If I were to go, I would have to move as though I was 18 and I'm not sure how that would go down with other 18 year olds. I would like to experience halls but again, not sure how that would go down. Is there such thing as mature student halls?
I just need a bit of advice on what to do. Perhaps you've had a similar experience on have come out of the other side. I feel like I'm having a bit of a quarter life crisis 🙃 .
Thank you to anyone who has made it this far, I just ask that no one is nasty towards me. I can take critical advice but please don't be mean. Thank you ♥️
(I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post to go, but figured there might be more mature people in this one)

Hi,

Don't let the fact that you're a mature student hold you back, you've got this far and you'll do amazingly!

There are many mature students returning to education with or without children; some of the students at Wrexham University have shared what it's like to be a mature student and I've attached this blog below - whilst it may be different to your University of interest hopefully this will help reassure you!

https://wrexham.ac.uk/blog/posts/mature-student-blog/

No matter the university you attend there will be support out there for you; if you're struggling let someone know and they'll do their best to help you. 🙂

Good luck and I wish you well in your studies!

Shannon - Bsc Childrens Nursing - WrexhamUniReps