A Mature Student’s Guide to University

What is a Mature Student?#

A mature student is anybody going back to university or college after a period of being out of full-time education. This usually means that the age for mature students is over 21 for an undergraduate degree or over 25 for those taking a postgraduate qualification.

It’s not unusual to be a mature student. Lots of people choose to take a break after school before going back to university later in life, as there are all sorts of reasons they may have been unable or unwilling to get a degree when they were younger.

Why Consider Becoming a Mature Student?#

There are plenty of benefits to enrolling in university as a mature student. For many people, taking some time away from school helps them realise where their interests lie and what they would like to study.

Some might want to improve their employability, with a degree that’s relevant to their profession. Others might fancy a career change or be really interested in a particular subject and want to learn more about it.

Researching Universities and Courses#

The first thing to do is figure out what you want to study. Once you have a subject area, think about any requirements you have. For example, do you want the degree to include a certain module? How would you rather be assessed – through essays, coursework or exams? How do you want to be taught – do you prefer lots of face-to-face learning or do you thrive when studying independently? 

Next, think about the practicalities of where you’re going to live. Do you need to live in a certain area of the country, or are you able to move? Also consider things like the cost of living in each area – a university in London, for example, might end up with higher expenses than other places. 

As a mature student, you may have other responsibilities to consider, like a job and a family. If a full-time degree would be difficult to manage, you could look into studying part-time, taking evening courses or enrolling in distance learning. 

Visiting Open Days and Virtual Tours#

Once you’ve got a solid grasp of your requirements, draw up a shortlist of universities and courses that could be a good match. 

You’ll be able to research some aspects of the university online, but the best way to get a feel for an institution is to either go to an in-person open day or take a virtual tour of its campus. 

Open days are really useful resources that allow you to get an idea of what day-to-day life as a mature student would actually be like at each university. It’ll also give you a chance to ask current students and staff any questions you have about the university – which could include questions about the kind of experiences mature students in particular could expect, and any support that might be available for mature students. 

Student Funding For Mature Students#

Universities in England can charge maximum tuition fees of £9,250 per year for a full-time undergraduate degree. Anyone taking an undergraduate degree for the first time can apply for a tuition fee loan, which covers the full cost of the fees.  

A means-tested maintenance loan to help with living costs is also available for eligible students – this one does have an upper age limit of 60, though. The amount you’ll get depends on your financial circumstances and the course you’re studying. If you have children, you might be eligible for extra help. And mature students aged over 60 might be eligible for a means-tested ‘special support loan’ instead. 

Grants, Scholarships and Loans#

It’s worth doing a bit of research into any other student funding for mature students that’s available to you. 

Lots of universities offer scholarships and bursaries, which students don’t have to pay back. Other organisations such as charities and professional associations offer these too, for all sorts of different circumstances. 

There are also governmental grants available to mature students with additional needs, such as the Parents’ Learning Allowance and the Childcare Grant. 

Support Systems and Resources For Mature Students#

Consider the types of support that would make going back to university as a mature student easier. For example, if you have young children it might be handy if the university has nearby childcare facilities. Alternatively, flexibility around your timetable could be helpful if you have other commitments or maybe you’d benefit from support with a learning difference. 

Get in touch with the university’s student support services to find out how they could assist with your needs – most universities have a diverse range of resources available, so don’t be afraid to ask. 

And when you start your course, the university might host a welcome event specifically for mature students or it may have societies for students at a similar place in their lives – both of which offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Accommodation Options For Mature Students#

When it comes to accommodation you have a few options. If the commute is manageable, you could stay where you currently live and travel into university. Otherwise, you could move into university-owned halls of residence, private halls or other private accommodation closer to campus.

In halls, you’ll be living in close proximity with lots of other students – so this could be a good option if you’re keen to socialise. Most universities will also offer the option to place you on the same floor as other mature students, and you can usually apply to live in a quieter area or single-gender accommodation if you want.