Going back to uni.

I realise these days I need to push myself forward a bit, in terms of income and career and I am thinking of going back to uni. The trouble is, I already have financial commitments and it might not be possible. Has anybody on here went back as a mature student and managed?

Any advice much appreciated.

Graham.

I managed as a mature student for 3 years but I was on a bursary of £600 a month plus £60 child allowance... I had a mortgage to pay plus all the other bills and I was a single parent, got no other benefits (cos I was on a bursary and not a grant) and no maintenace. Mum and Dad helped out at times but we got there and it was well worth it.

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

I managed as a mature student for 3 years but I was on a bursary of £600 a month plus £60 child allowance... I had a mortgage to pay plus all the other bills and I was a single parent, got no other benefits (cos I was on a bursary and not a grant) and no maintenace. Mum and Dad helped out at times but we got there and it was well worth it.

Ah right. That's all that troubles me you see. I understand I would have to tone down spending a hell of a lot and live off a tight budget.

I am not a parent but there are bursaries available for people in my position?

Yep.. you do have to make sacrifices but as I say for me it was worth it tho at times i must admit i felt like giving up. With the bursary you won`t pay council tax and if you`re renting you might qualify for some kind of housing benefit. Best of luck

I know it will be a lot of hard work and not as much biking involved

Although taking one step back to take ten forward would be well worth it.

Many thanks for the advice.

[timwilky]

A number of my friends have gone back but have done it part time in order to combine study with their careers.

One very brave friend did his degree in Maths & Computing, and then followed it up with his PHD in maths whist working full time as a project manager and spending large amounts of time stuck on a power station in china.

It did him little good career wise, except gave him a title. He now works as a projects director, still does maths research for fun. In some ways I admire that, being able to break academic interest from career.

Are you absolutely certain that the results will justify the huge upheaval and the yawning cost? Are there other ways you can achieve the same goal? Will there be a constant demand for whatever skills you have and will achieve at university?

Well although I haven't done the 'Mature Student' thing, I've actually studied with the Open University part time, instead of going to Uni full time.

Due to low earnings (first job starting wage...), I've managed to get most of it paid for by their financial support.
Have a look here, worth seeing if you might be entitled to it: http://www3.open.ac.uk/studyatou/app...-support.shtml