Mature student - Building Surveying

I am currently sending off my application to a few universities offering 'Building Surveying'. My first choice is Reading, and I have experience working in construction and as a real estate agent. I am 27 when I begin studying, so all I want to know is:
- what will it be like?
- will I have the same opportunities as other/ younger students?
- Does anyone have similar experience to this?
Thanks!

Original post by charlesyazdan!

I am currently sending off my application to a few universities offering 'Building Surveying'. My first choice is Reading, and I have experience working in construction and as a real estate agent. I am 27 when I begin studying, so all I want to know is:
- what will it be like?
- will I have the same opportunities as other/ younger students?
- Does anyone have similar experience to this?
Thanks!

Hello @Charleysyazdan!,

I am a University of Reading student, and I am studying ecology. It's great to hear you are considering joining the Univerity of Reading.

The university is a great place for mature students; there is a Mature Students Society and a social group that allows students to meet each other. This is a great way to make friends and settle into the university.

You will definitely have the same opportunities as other students and can benefit from the career services, Campuses and facilities, and all aspects of the university. I recommend you. Register for the Mature Students' Peer Network., as this will provide you with other mature student contacts.

There are also many great guides to find information on studying as a mature student at Reading.

I recommend looking into your accommodation options, as there are separate options for mature students to ensure you are not placed with lots of 18-year-olds, as many mature students find this uncomfortable. You can visit the Advice and Support Students' Union web pages to get advice for student accommodation.

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let us know.

All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology

Original post by charlesyazdan!

I am currently sending off my application to a few universities offering 'Building Surveying'. My first choice is Reading, and I have experience working in construction and as a real estate agent. I am 27 when I begin studying, so all I want to know is:
- what will it be like?
- will I have the same opportunities as other/ younger students?
- Does anyone have similar experience to this?
Thanks!

Hey @charlesyazdan,

Firstly it’s great you’ve decided to start studying and this is going to be so exciting for you :woo:

I’m a mature student myself - not at Reading, but Chester- and I’ve also been an undergrad at the usual age straight after A Levels so I have had experience of the two. I can honestly say that I’ve found no difference between attending university at 18 to now. I think as mature students who have had a break and life between school and university we think we will stand out, but we really don’t. I have a mix of friends who are younger than me, a similar age and older, and to be honest we just mingle as if we are the same age.

As the previous reply has said there are loads of opportunities at Reading for mature students so there is plenty for you to get involved in and make friends.

You could attend Reading’s open days where you can meet the department tutors and also the representatives of the student services, students’ union etc and talk to them about life as a mature student.

Good luck, have a super time,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 3

Parsnipped

1

I would say your work experience will give you a strong advantage, particularly in residential surveying. From speaking to other surveyors, I know a lot of highly successful professionals have come from construction and estate agency. Just be sure to emphasise it when seeking opportunities. I'm almost at the end of my degree now with UCEM and I would recommend it to anyone. All the module leaders have extensive industry experience. It has allowed me to continue to work whilst studying which has been a struggle to say the least but they are very supportive when needed. I am a bit further down the road than you at 35, but I know my career to date as a joiner and project manager will certainly assist me and hopefully give me an edge over those who have never set foot on a building site.

(edited 1 month ago)

Mature student - Building Surveying

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you