Going back to college/uni..

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5 Jun 2007
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At the age of 24 or older, anyone done this?

What was it like? Any advice?

The reason i'm asking is that i've basicly sat on my ass doing rather dead end (but good experiance) Jobs for the last 4 years.

I innitially went to college but dropped out due to lack of motivation/social failing/problems at home etc.

However now that im back on my own 2 feet, i feel that i'd love to get back into education, specifically in the areas of physics and mathematics. (subjects witch i am quite well versed in despite my lack of qualifications)

My goal would be to carry on to university to study physics/maths and then go from there.

My main concern is financing this, so any anyone with prior knowledge please share any insights you might have!
 
If you're the studious, dedicated, academic type, go for it.

Do not go for the social reasons. It won't be the same as it was before.
 
I'm 27 and at uni. There are many mature people there and you soon find that most people are fairly decent, it's a long long way from the childish days at school. You may find you're a bit 'above' 'growing up' conversations but hey at least you can have plenty of advice for the ladies. Uni is incredible for women by the way.

As for finance you should be able to get a basic loan from the student loans company. Then get a part time job to finance the rest.
 
GCSEs with A's and B's Maths/Science/Geography/Graphic design etc

No A levels or the like.

So, free sounds great, and £500~ is more than reasonable, for some reason i had much higher numbers in my head.

Link to ucas was very usefull, will have a good read, thanx!
 
Have a look at part time or distance learning courses as well. Depending on your job situation you may be able to study alongside work, obviously this means that you will miss out on the whole 'uni experience', but you need to assess how important that is in terms of why you want to return to study.

Balancing study and work isn't something I'd recommend to people straight out of school but having got used to the working life you may find you can handle it. The main advantage is that you maintain income to pay for it and are also building up your work experience.

Personally I reckon if you can spare say 10-12hrs/week for study there's no reason why you can't take A-levels alongside working.
 
I went back at 24, think it's the best decision I've ever made.

Have you thought about engineering? You could do a HNC/HND and get access to a uni course from there. Guaranteed job at the end too, pretty much.
 
27. I'm in my first year at college studying BTEC Nationals and enjoying my course. Shame some of the people in my class ain't that sociable (i.e. do stuff out of lessons, etc) but as one of the eldest in my class I'm doing my best to change that.

For the OP, I'd say go for it but only if you feel that you can do very well on the course. If you're crap at exams, then do the Access to HE courses.

If you're the studious, dedicated, academic type, go for it.

Do not go for the social reasons. It won't be the same as it was before.

I see the social side as a bonus. BUT it depends on the people you have in your class and whether YOU put in the effort to meet new people outside of your class.

Currently I'm making the effort to talk to/meet people outside of my class. I didn't put in the effort when I was at college (aged 17-19) and university (19-20).

Uni is incredible for women by the way.

College is incredible for the (aged 18+) women by the way, especially those doing Hairdressing/Make up and Travel and Tourism :D
 
When I was at college we had a 59 year old a 29 year old and a 23 year old on our dorm. I was 19 at the time, guess who got the most sex?
 
I went back at 24, think it's the best decision I've ever made.

Have you thought about engineering? You could do a HNC/HND and get access to a uni course from there. Guaranteed job at the end too, pretty much.

Can I ask when and why you left and what motivated you to go back? [/nosy]
 
24 will be 25 when I start after summer doing my HND in networking. Will be wierd being back not knowing anyone :(
 
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