Uni at 22

Hiya, I’m looking at possibly applying to university, to start next sept (2026) - I did my a levels back in 2022, and have been in work since.

How have people found the transition from working, to uni?

Any tips on looking at universities themselves at all?

Any tips on the application process? We covered it back in school, but I have no clue now!

And any tips on making friends at uni? I’d be classed as a mature student, and I know that I won’t be the only one, but it’ll still be very daunting!

Any advice would be incredible!

Reply 1

UniLancashire

Official Rep

Original post

by Mollyhtayl

Hiya, I’m looking at possibly applying to university, to start next sept (2026) - I did my a levels back in 2022, and have been in work since.
How have people found the transition from working, to uni?
Any tips on looking at universities themselves at all?
Any tips on the application process? We covered it back in school, but I have no clue now!
And any tips on making friends at uni? I’d be classed as a mature student, and I know that I won’t be the only one, but it’ll still be very daunting!
Any advice would be incredible!

Hi @Mollyhtayl,

It's great to hear that you are thinking of going to university after working for a few years since your a-levels. There is so much help online now, that you don't need to worry. I think when it comes to research of unis, I would say figure out what you want to gain from going to uni. What is important to you? Do you want to feel supported at uni and have career teams, mental wellbeing and other support teams. Creating pros and cons list for the unis you are looking into is also a helpful tool. It seems so simple to do a pros and cons list but seeing the positives and negatives written in this format, really helped me in deciding which unis to apply for.

Open days! Attend open days if possible. These are great as you can speak to current students and lecturers, get answers to any questions you may have and get a flavour of the course and the uni's campus. It's a great way to get a feel for the university and see if you could imagine yourself as a student there.

In terms of tips for applying, I would suggest ringing the uni's enquires or admissions team as they will be able to go through the steps and talk you through your options. We do have a handy page on how to apply, which you can access here.

There are many ways to make friends and connections at uni no matter the age you are. There are more mature students studying than some people think. As you mentioned you will definitely not be alone but I understand why it may seem overwhelming. Often unis, have community groups so students can connect online before meeting in person. These are great to meet your flat/course mates and get to know them before meeting in person. Freshers/welcome week will have events and activities for everyone, so make the most of it and get yourself out there. We do also have a handy page about making friends which you can take a loot at here.

Hope this helps, ^Zac

(edited 7 months ago)

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Mollyhtayl

Hiya, I’m looking at possibly applying to university, to start next sept (2026) - I did my a levels back in 2022, and have been in work since.
How have people found the transition from working, to uni?
Any tips on looking at universities themselves at all?
Any tips on the application process? We covered it back in school, but I have no clue now!
And any tips on making friends at uni? I’d be classed as a mature student, and I know that I won’t be the only one, but it’ll still be very daunting!
Any advice would be incredible!

Hi @Mollyhtayl ,

It's great that you are looking to apply to uni! I also went to uni after two gap years working, so I thought I would respond to this as I did a similar thing!

Transition from working to uni:

I found this quite an easy transition as may days were a lot less busy than when I was working! I had three days in uni in my first year so I had a lot more free time than I had before. However, it was tricky to adjust to the money coming in as I had a lot less money than when I was working. I had saved up some money specifically for uni so that I didn't need to get a job until after Christmas, so it felt strange to not be working and have less money coming in. I then got a job in January time which helped me out too.

Looking at Universities:

I would say that the best thing to do is to go to some open days. Have a look online and see if there are any universities/courses that you like the sound of, and see when the open days are. I would recommend to go to any for the universities that you are interested in, although I know this can be tricky sometimes. They just give you a good feel for the university and you can chat to any of the lecturers too. There are often students here too to chat to who are good ways of finding out things about the course or just their uni experience in general. You can also look online and see what people are saying about the university to see if this answers any of your questions too.

The application process:

The application process is fairly easy to follow. You can look up how to do it and I am sure there will be guides to talk you through each step which may be easier. I know you have to write a personal statement which is the main thing to do really and there should also be some guidance online about how to do this too. You will have to apply for student finance too so make sure you do this too!

Making friends:

I know that people often worry about making friends when you come to uni a little bit later (I felt the same) but it really isn't as scary as you might think. There are so many people who come to Uni a little bit later and there will be people of all different ages at uni so don't worry about being older than others. Here are some ways that I have made friends or met people while at Uni:

•

Joining societies. These are great ways of meeting lots of new people and doing something you enjoy at the same time. There will be lots of societies for every university so have a look what is on offer at your uni as there may be something you like the sound of. If there is, you can go to the freshers fair in freshers week and there will be stands for each society where you can chat to people and join them!

•

See if your SU puts any events on as these are good ways of meeting people too. I know at Hallam they often do 'give it a go' events so any uni that you go to may do similar!

•

Look on social media for groups to join. Often before you start uni there will be lots of group chats that you can join to meet some new people so it is worth having a look and seeing if you can join any of these.

•

Meeting people in your lectures and seminars. Make sure you are attending these as you can meet so many people here (as well as learning!). Chat to people and you will be surprised at how many people want to make friends too!

I hope some of this helps and good luck on your university journey 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by Mollyhtayl

Hiya, I’m looking at possibly applying to university, to start next sept (2026) - I did my a levels back in 2022, and have been in work since.
How have people found the transition from working, to uni?
Any tips on looking at universities themselves at all?
Any tips on the application process? We covered it back in school, but I have no clue now!
And any tips on making friends at uni? I’d be classed as a mature student, and I know that I won’t be the only one, but it’ll still be very daunting!
Any advice would be incredible!

I was in a similar situation myself, having worked after finishing school before starting university. Honestly, the transition from working life to uni felt strange at first, but what helped me was reminding myself that I’m working towards a degree that will open doors later. Starting uni didn’t stop me from working either; I still work part-time for the university itself, though I’m not earning as much as I did in full-time work. Balancing both can be a challenge, but it’s possible.
When it comes to choosing universities, especially places like LSBU, I’d say focus on courses that suit your long-term goals. On my course, for example, we have a lot of mature students, especially in healthcare areas. At LSBU, there’s no “mature student” label; whether you’re 19 or 40, we’re all just students. That made it less intimidating for me, as I didn’t feel separated or singled out. Everyone’s mixed together in classes, so it’s easier to make friends naturally.
For the application process, I’d recommend visiting open days and speaking to admissions teams directly. UCAS might feel like a distant memory from school, but their website breaks it down clearly. Your personal statement is important; use it to explain why you’re returning to study and what your work experience taught you. Admissions staff are really helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Making friends was something I worried about too, but once I got to LSBU, I realised most people feel just as unsure when they start. Talk to people in your course, join uni events, and be open; you’ll be surprised how easy it is to connect. Being older or having work experience doesn’t put you at a disadvantage; it actually helps in conversations and group work.
My advice: go for it. Take things step by step, and remind yourself that university is just part of your journey; it doesn’t cancel out your work life, it builds on it.

Reply 4

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Hi there,

The transition from working to university life involves shifting from a structured work week to a schedule with fewer contact hours and more independent study. This requires self-management for effective time allocation. Financially, expect a reduction in income compared to full-time work. Consider budgeting or exploring part-time work options to manage this adjustment. Student finance applications are essential for support.

When researching universities, evaluate them based on your academic and career objectives. Focus on course content, the university's academic reputation in your field, and specific support services relevant to your needs, such as career development or academic skills support. Attending open days is critical for firsthand campus experience and direct engagement with faculty and current students. This allows for a practical assessment of the learning environment. Reviewing university websites and official student review platforms can provide additional data points for comparison.

The university application process is primarily managed through UCAS. Key components include submitting your academic qualifications, a personal statement, and a reference. Your personal statement should articulate your reasons for pursuing higher education and demonstrate how your work experience has prepared you for your chosen course. Contact university admissions teams directly for specific entry requirements or guidance on the application procedure, as they can offer precise information. Initiate your student finance application once your university choices are firm.

While there are many younger students, a significant number of mature students also attend. Universities offer various societies and clubs aligned with diverse interests, providing structured opportunities to meet peers outside of your course. During Freshers' or Welcome Week, participate in events to connect with new students. Joining course-specific social media groups before enrolment can facilitate initial introductions with classmates.

Best regards,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU :smile:

Reply 5

Matt-WrexhamUni

Official Rep

Original post

by Mollyhtayl

Hiya, I’m looking at possibly applying to university, to start next sept (2026) - I did my a levels back in 2022, and have been in work since.
How have people found the transition from working, to uni?
Any tips on looking at universities themselves at all?
Any tips on the application process? We covered it back in school, but I have no clue now!
And any tips on making friends at uni? I’d be classed as a mature student, and I know that I won’t be the only one, but it’ll still be very daunting!
Any advice would be incredible!

Hi Molly,

It is great to hear that you are considering studying at University level after having a few years out! Please try not to worry that you have been out of education for a few years, you will of developed so many new skills along the way through your working experience.

I know of quite a few people who have taken a few years out and then come back to studying after work they have found the change overwhelming to begin with as it is big change from earning a regular income to now budgeting savings / balancing work around studying for your course. However as time has gone on I have found that they settled into their courses really well, - So I don't think this is something that should put you off.

Trying to find the right uni for anyone can be a really hard process. Some people will feel that they can connect with places more quickly than others. My top tip would be to visit the different universities that you are interested in on their open days to get a feel for what it would be like to study at that Uni. To find out what Universities offer the course that you are interested in you can use UCAS to search for it.

For tips and support on the application process, there is lots of help and advice on the UCAS website, from advice on how to pick your University to making a successful application!

Making friends at University can be more difficult than you think sometimes - check out my blog on some of the top tips on making new friends and meaningful connections here

For a quick link to the UCAS website I have mentioned above, please see here

I hope this helps & I wish you the best of luck in your next journey!

Matt
2nd Year Physiotherapy Student
Wrexham Uni Reps

Reply 6

UoW Tianchen

Hey! First off, it is amazing that you are thinking about applying to university again. That takes a lot of courage, and it is great that you are giving yourself time to explore it properly.

I know a few mature students at Warwick who came after working for a few years. Most of them said the transition felt strange at first, but also refreshing. You might find the academic side a bit of a shift, especially getting back into essay writing or reading-heavy courses, but there is plenty of support available. In many ways, having worked gives you an edge. You already have skills in time management, communication, and motivation that help a lot at university.

When choosing a university, I would suggest thinking about what matters most to you. It could be course content, support services, location, or the general feel of the place. Try checking out virtual open days or visiting campuses if you can. Speaking to current students online can give you a better sense of what day-to-day life is like.

Application process is probably simpler than you remember. You apply through UCAS and choose up to five universities. The main part is the personal statement. This is where your work experience and motivation will really shine. Explain what brought you back to education and what you hope to get out of it. Admissions teams really value that kind of clarity and self-awareness. You can also contact universities directly if you have questions about entry requirements or want advice on your background.

Making friends is something a lot of people worry about, whether they are mature students or not. You definitely will not be alone. Most people are looking to make new friends and settle in, and it happens naturally through your course, accommodation, societies, or even study groups. At Warwick, there are also specific meetups and groups for mature students, so there are opportunities to connect with people who might have similar experiences.

You are doing the right thing by asking questions and giving it real thought. University is not just for one type of person or one age group. If it feels right, go for it. You might be surprised how well you fit in.

Feel free to ask anything else. Happy to help.
Tianchen

Reply 7

Manchester Met - Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Mollyhtayl

Hiya, I’m looking at possibly applying to university, to start next sept (2026) - I did my a levels back in 2022, and have been in work since.
How have people found the transition from working, to uni?
Any tips on looking at universities themselves at all?
Any tips on the application process? We covered it back in school, but I have no clue now!
And any tips on making friends at uni? I’d be classed as a mature student, and I know that I won’t be the only one, but it’ll still be very daunting!
Any advice would be incredible!

Hey,
That's so exciting you're looking at starting uni next September! It's a fantastic step, and it's totally normal to have lots of questions when you're jumping back into education.

Let's break down your worries a bit:

•

Transition from Work to Uni: It's definitely a change. The main difference is usually the routine – more flexible hours, but a lot more independent study. You'll probably appreciate the learning environment and new challenges after being at work. You might also find your work experience gives you a more focused approach to studying, which is a huge plus!

•

Looking at Universities:

•

Course First: Start by looking at universities that offer courses you're genuinely passionate about and have good reviews for that specific subject.

•

Visit if You Can: Open days (in-person or virtual) are brilliant for getting a feel for the campus, facilities, and the general vibe.

•

Check Mature Student Support: See what resources they have for mature students – some unis have dedicated support or social groups! 🏘️

•

Application Process: Don't worry about forgetting! The main route is still UCAS. You'll create an account, fill in your details, add your qualifications, write a personal statement (highlighting your work experience here can be a real strength!), and get a reference. Your chosen universities will have clear guidance on their specific entry requirements too. 👍

•

Making Friends (as a Mature Student): This is a common concern, but please know you absolutely won't be the only mature student! Uni classes and halls (if you live there) are usually a mix of ages.

•

From my own experience, when I first started uni, I didn't have much luck with friendships right away, but it got better in my first year. I learned that friendships do take time, and it's super important not to rush them. If you click with someone, that's awesome! If not, that's also totally fine.

•

Societies & Course: Joining societies that genuinely interest you and connecting with people on your course are brilliant ways to meet like-minded friends, regardless of age. People bond over shared passions! 🤝