Advice for Mature Student
I need some advice regarding my studies and whether the options that I have are actually better for me than staying at my current university.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
Reply 1
Original post
by Jameswoodman34I need some advice regarding my studies and whether the options that I have are actually better for me than staying at my current university.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
Good afternoon,
Choosing your future plans can be a daunting and challenging process. Many students change university and courses. If you wish to go to a new university, you could see if you can swap, as some universities will allow for swapping in your first year, as long as the course is relatively similar. I recommend looking into this, as you may be able to transfer directly rather than restarting from scratch. If you contact the admissions offices, they will be able to advise you. The University of Reading sometimes offers this. I recommend contacting the Admissions.
If you truly dislike your university and staying there would be detrimental to you, leading to a negative experience with the degree, then it is better to transfer and take the extra time. Otherwise, you could graduate in 2028, dislike the subject, and then be unwilling to pursue a career in it. But this is a very personal decision.
I hope this helps, and you are able to find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Reply 2
Original post
by UniofReadingGood afternoon,
Choosing your future plans can be a daunting and challenging process. Many students change university and courses. If you wish to go to a new university, you could see if you can swap, as some universities will allow for swapping in your first year, as long as the course is relatively similar. I recommend looking into this, as you may be able to transfer directly rather than restarting from scratch. If you contact the admissions offices, they will be able to advise you. The University of Reading sometimes offers this. I recommend contacting the Admissions.
If you truly dislike your university and staying there would be detrimental to you, leading to a negative experience with the degree, then it is better to transfer and take the extra time. Otherwise, you could graduate in 2028, dislike the subject, and then be unwilling to pursue a career in it. But this is a very personal decision.
I hope this helps, and you are able to find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Choosing your future plans can be a daunting and challenging process. Many students change university and courses. If you wish to go to a new university, you could see if you can swap, as some universities will allow for swapping in your first year, as long as the course is relatively similar. I recommend looking into this, as you may be able to transfer directly rather than restarting from scratch. If you contact the admissions offices, they will be able to advise you. The University of Reading sometimes offers this. I recommend contacting the Admissions.
If you truly dislike your university and staying there would be detrimental to you, leading to a negative experience with the degree, then it is better to transfer and take the extra time. Otherwise, you could graduate in 2028, dislike the subject, and then be unwilling to pursue a career in it. But this is a very personal decision.
I hope this helps, and you are able to find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Thank you for your reply, yes I did consider swapping universities, but I dont think this is a feasible option as its already the 8th week of teaching and universities dont usually accept any students during this time.
If there is actually any universities that you know of which would accept I would love to hear the options.
Reply 3
Original post
by Jameswoodman34I need some advice regarding my studies and whether the options that I have are actually better for me than staying at my current university.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
Hey there, it’s completely normal to feel unsure right now, especially when you’re thinking long term. I didn’t join LSBU as a mature student, but I did leave as one because I stayed on from undergrad into postgrad. So I’ve seen both sides of the journey, and honestly, we get a lot of mature students here. You’re not out of place at all, even if it feels that way at times.
Computer Science can feel tough in the early stages, and it’s easy to feel disconnected before you’ve found your group or settled into the teaching style. Before making a big decision like restarting somewhere else, it might be worth reaching out to your course team or student support. LSBU has academic support, wellbeing services and personal tutors, and things often feel very different once you’ve had a proper conversation with someone who can help.
Give yourself the chance to explore that support first. You might find the experience becomes a lot more manageable when you’re not carrying everything alone. And if after that you still feel LSBU isn’t the right fit, that’s okay too. What matters most is your wellbeing and feeling confident about your studies. Just make sure the decision comes from clarity rather than frustration.
LSBU Admissions Ambassador
Reply 4
Original post
by Jameswoodman34Thank you for your reply, yes I did consider swapping universities, but I dont think this is a feasible option as its already the 8th week of teaching and universities dont usually accept any students during this time.
If there is actually any universities that you know of which would accept I would love to hear the options.
If there is actually any universities that you know of which would accept I would love to hear the options.
Good afternoon,
Most universities assess the situation on a quarterly basis. Some universities would most likely still accept you, as some students switch at the end of their first year. You may consider moving after the first year, but I recommend reaching out to the admissions offices now to determine if this is possible. Perhaps email your choices, as mentioned above, to ask them, and reach out to others who may be closer to your home, where you could commute from.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Reply 5
Original post
by UniofReadingGood afternoon,
Most universities assess the situation on a quarterly basis. Some universities would most likely still accept you, as some students switch at the end of their first year. You may consider moving after the first year, but I recommend reaching out to the admissions offices now to determine if this is possible. Perhaps email your choices, as mentioned above, to ask them, and reach out to others who may be closer to your home, where you could commute from.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Most universities assess the situation on a quarterly basis. Some universities would most likely still accept you, as some students switch at the end of their first year. You may consider moving after the first year, but I recommend reaching out to the admissions offices now to determine if this is possible. Perhaps email your choices, as mentioned above, to ask them, and reach out to others who may be closer to your home, where you could commute from.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Thank you for your reply again, I have contacted Nottingham Trent uni which seems like they could accept a in year transfer.
If they cant accept i think I would consider withdrawing just due to the fact that a transfer is uncertain and I really dont like the uni I am currently studying at.
Reply 6
Original post
by UniofReadingGood afternoon,
Most universities assess the situation on a quarterly basis. Some universities would most likely still accept you, as some students switch at the end of their first year. You may consider moving after the first year, but I recommend reaching out to the admissions offices now to determine if this is possible. Perhaps email your choices, as mentioned above, to ask them, and reach out to others who may be closer to your home, where you could commute from.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Most universities assess the situation on a quarterly basis. Some universities would most likely still accept you, as some students switch at the end of their first year. You may consider moving after the first year, but I recommend reaching out to the admissions offices now to determine if this is possible. Perhaps email your choices, as mentioned above, to ask them, and reach out to others who may be closer to your home, where you could commute from.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you find somewhere you like.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Unfortunately after contacting universities I was told none accept mid year intakes and i would need to apply next year but thanks for the suggestion.
Original post
by Jameswoodman34I need some advice regarding my studies and whether the options that I have are actually better for me than staying at my current university.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
How old you are when you graduate is a non-factor; it should not in principle impact any future academic or professional outcomes. I would not worry about that.
Whether to study at one of the other unis is ultimately a personal choice - if you can't see yourself successfully completing the course (note here "successful" is relative to your goals; you might define "successful" for yourself as a 2:1, any pass in a degree, a 1st, etc) at that uni it may well be worth considering alternatives.
I would suggest if you are going to withdraw, you should aim to do it after the end of this term before the start of the next term, OR at the end of the academic year, to simplify the student finance aspect (as if you withdraw mid-term and have a maintenance loan from SFE you may need to repay some back, whereas at the points I noted you should not have to repay much if any of your most recent loan disbursement).
Do consider practical matters in deciding that as well, such as any tenancy agreements you have entered into and their exit clauses (if applicable).
Note if you wish to resume your studies at another uni in 2026, you will need to submit your UCAS application before the January deadline (which is fast approaching!). This is true whether you are applying for a transfer (i.e. you aim to complete year 1 then withdraw in the summer at your current uni and enter into year 2 at the new uni) or applying for first year entry again (in which case you could also withdraw over the winter break as described above).
Reply 8
Original post
by Jameswoodman34I need some advice regarding my studies and whether the options that I have are actually better for me than staying at my current university.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
I am a mature student 22 years old, I am currently enrolled onto London Southbank university on a Computer science course. I really dont like it the place the people and its very expensive, lecturers seem like they dont care.
My options are to stay at Southbank Uni and finish in 2028, (turning 25 years old) or start again at Nottingham Trent Uni or Uni of Kent and finish (age 26) or start a Computer science with a foundation year at Swansea university and finish at age (27).
I would like to hear some advice regarding my return to studies and whether it is worth it to restart at the unis that I have listed or continue at Southbank.
Hi,
I apologise for the delay in getting round to this post, and I hope you are well! 😊
I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling this way about your studies. Finding a university where you feel at home which ticks all of your boxes is really hard, and it's okay and quite common for students to choose a different direction or pathway during their studies. Have you been able to talk to an academic advisor at your current university about your concerns and choices, or even a friend or family member? You have had some helpful advice on this thread already and I would agree that it is best to contact the admissions team of the university to see if it is possible to transfer. You can find our friendly admissions contact information here:
As others have also said on this thread, I would agree that its so important to put your wellbeing first, especially when at university where you might be living away from home! My advice would be to talk to your academic advisor or similar, and those close around you who might be able to provide you with some support. This will help with clarifying what can be done or not to make you feel better about your studies. Take some time to consider your options, and please do get in touch if there is anything I can help with, or contact our admissions department🙂
I hope this helps! The most important thing is making sure you are happy and well during your studies, and it doesn't matter what path that takes, as long as you are happy😊 I know this isn't straightforward or easy, but I would encourage you to consider your options and talk to those around you. You are also welcome to contact our admissions department to talk through your concerns and situation, and they will be happy to give you some guidance🙂
Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 9
Your focus on your age or end of studies age needs to not be a focus at all. I'd also argue you aren't technically a mature student at 22 but that's another matter for another thread.
Age is irrelevant in all of these considerations. We see a lot of threads on this. Your key considerations are the quality of the teaching, the ease at which you can actually turn up and meaningfully learn and optimising your path through the course you wish to complete.
Age is irrelevant in all of these considerations. We see a lot of threads on this. Your key considerations are the quality of the teaching, the ease at which you can actually turn up and meaningfully learn and optimising your path through the course you wish to complete.
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