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St Mary's welcomes applications
from mature students and provides support and advice to those returning to
education. Mature students are encouraged to attend Open Days or the Taster Experience.
Mature Students often enquire about
the cost of Higher Education. Read our finance section for information on current fees for all full time courses.
More financial information for prospective students residing in
Northern Ireland can be obtained from www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
For impartial careers information, advice and guidance visit the website of the Educational Guidance Service for Adults in Northern Ireland www.egsa.org.uk
What mature students had to say:
Being Apprehensive, Being Mature:
"The first day I just wanted to run away, I felt like a fish out of water. I was scared - I did’t know what to expect and you can imagine how I felt in my black business suit when everyone else was dressed casually! At that time I didn't realise that all the younger students were just as scared - university was new to them also."
"Quite often there is an assumption that mature students know more than younger students, this is not always the case despite our greater life experiences so I have learned that if you don't know something you just have to ask."
Family Responsibilities:
"I must say I had a few extensions in my time!! if your child was sick or your mother had to go into hospital the lecturers understood the impact of other commitments in your personal life."
"I remember experiencing pangs of guilt during my first year when my daughter had her first dental appointment for a filling. I was unable to go to with her as I had to attend a lecture, I need not have worried, she was fine!"
"Time with the children has been sacrificed in the short term as sometimes I am at St Mary's (finishing project work) until 9pm in the evening, however when we do get time together it really is quality time."
Family Support:
"I face the usual hurdles e.g. juggling my home life and studies, meeting deadlines for assignments, studying for finals and dealing with the unexpected events for example when my children are sick but I am lucky to have the support of a good family."
"My advice to students with young children would be to ensure you have a good support network with family and friends. They will become invaluable when you are under pressure to get the work done, but they will also be the ones to encourage you to keep going. I have many people to thank for their constant support and encouragement. It is also important to commit yourself to study in order to gain the most enjoyment from it."
Time Management, Planning and Finance:
"I was fortunate to work full-time on shift patterns at a residential care organisation so financially I coped well whilst at university – I still took out a student loan and I am currently paying the monthly instalments as I now earn more than £15,000. I could not have made a better investment."
"I study when I can, be it at night or between lectures and I try to get work done within a certain timeframe rather than leave it to the last minute."
"As for free time! When I am not with my family it is allocated to projects, study and revision."
"I am paying for my own education and can truly say that for the most part I have received an excellent return on my investment. I will graduate next year and although I am in debt to the tune of £14,000 (as are most Higher Education students), I have and will continue to relish every opportunity that comes my way."
"Generally I have to keep to a budget, organise my time, car share, plan and prepare meals in advance etc it all becomes part of your routine yet it is so important to plan ahead."
"Whilst at St Mary's I became a peer tutor and I found this role very rewarding."
"I remember one evening when I rushed home, had a shower and went to study at Queen's library. During my break I sat outside the library, my hair still wet, watching passers by going to Christmas parties and thinking I should be doing that! but it all came back to the fact that my learning was more important than socialising and I was doing something that was a joy for me." |
