What to consider before returning to school as a mum

You will undoubtedly see several students in their late teens or early twenties if you visit any university campus across the UK, making ‘mature students’ the pronounced minority. According to The Conversation, a ‘mature student’ is anyone over 21 years at the beginning of their studies, and just 10% of mature students are older than 40 when they complete their courses. A return to formal education after a long time away can be challenging for anyone, but coming back as a mum may be even more daunting due to the many new considerations. Here are four vital things to consider before returning to school as a mum.

1. The right university

It is always important to select the best institution for your needs when seeking to explore higher education. There is no one size fits all answer for what constitutes the right university since you will have to define what is best for you. For instance, if you reside in Oxford or its environs and wish to study somewhere close to home, the University of Oxford is undoubtedly your best option. However, remember that you must prepare for and pass an Oxford interview to gain admission into this institution. Alternatively, you can consider universities where adult learners constitute a huge chunk of the student body if you desire maximum support for parents and full-time workers. You can also consider universities that offer only online courses if flexibility is vital to your return to the classroom.

2. Getting a reliable support network

There is no denying that juggling academic work and domestic responsibilities is challenging, so you will surely need all the support you can get to make it work. Consequently, consider whether the support system available to you and your children is strong enough to sustain your return to school. You should know your backup childcare options and their respective schedules to know who you can count on at what time. Many mothers rely on their husbands and close relatives like siblings as their crucial support network when returning to school. However, you can also look into neighbours, friends, and extended family members if you are a single parent.

3. Time required

Students of all ages typically underestimate the time and effort involved in a university program or course. However, your school should be able to give you a rough estimation of the time you should expect to devote to your course in and out of the classroom. This way, you can understand the demands ahead of time and plan accordingly, choosing to be a full-time or part-time student when applying for your program. It takes longer to complete your course as a part-time student, but it is worth it if your schedule and responsibilities won’t permit you to study full-time.

4. Financing

Many parents are hesitant to go back to school due to the rising costs of higher education. Therefore, you will need to think hard about financing options to get you through school. Fortunately, some universities offer scholarships for mature students that you can take advantage of. You can also qualify for tuition fee loans to cover the cost of your undergraduate degree, so keep this in mind.