Why Become A Mature Student?

Education is such an important part of life. Whether it’s to progress your career or to simply to enrich your knowledge, going back to college is a wonderful thing to be able to do. Mature students are extremely common. In fact, in 2018/2019, 59% of UK university students were mature. We looked at what a mature student actually is before, but here are some of the many reasons why you should become a mature student.

First of all, you have a career plan. This is really important because even after four years of college, some students are still too young to know where they want to go with their career. However, mature students will have a much better idea of where it is they want to go.

Taking time out of formal education can lead you to recognize what it is that interests you and motivates you. As well as that, mature students are also more likely to choose a more employability-focused degree to it, as they have a definite career plan in mind. 

Going back to education is not the easiest thing to do, so mature students need to put a lot of thought into their decision and where they want it to bring them. 

Secondly, as a mature student, you get to make the call on what it is you want to do. There will be no influences above you saying what you should and shouldn’t study. Younger students may also be influenced by their friends in terms of what course and where they should study. 

Mature students will be able to acknowledge their weaknesses and strengths. They will then be able to apply them to a degree that will suit best. 

Those looking to return to education may find that there are more flexible entry requirements than when they were younger. Your application will get special and individual consideration. You will also have years of experience and training behind you, which will help your case. 

Taking time away from education and returning to it later on can give you a much-needed break from schooling. You will have the chance to try something new and to get a fresh perspective on education before going back and getting your degree. 

No matter what you have been doing since you finished school, you’ve probably learned a lot without even realising it. Most importantly, you’ll have gained invaluable knowledge of the world and society just from living. Your previous work experience or even domestic experience will offer a good foundation and skills to move on to study a degree. 

Finally, graduates can often be overlooked when entering the jobs market. Mature students can be seen as employees with both practical and theoretical knowledge. In addition, they will have the experience and life skills needed. 

If you choose to study part-time, you can even continue to progress your career at the same time as studying. This will maximise your potential upon receiving your degree. 

Check out our post here about how to return to education.