Going back to university: tips for getting back to education after a break

Are you considering returning to university for a postgraduate degree after some time away? It’s a big that can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension. Whether you’re considering a career change, aiming to advance in your current field, or seeking personal growth, going back to university can open up new opportunities and perspectives but can also come with unique challenges.

In this article, we’ll weigh up some of the key opportunities and challenges of returning to education and offer some practical tips from other mature students (a mature student normally means anyone going back to education after a break).

Key considerations for going back to university

Balancing studying with other life commitments

One of the most common challenges for mature students returning to university is balancing their studies and life responsibilities. Many mature students have full-time jobs or family commitments that require careful time management.

“I am finding the balancing act of being a mum, a student and working a challenge. To overcome this, I aim to get in a routine which suits every aspect of my life and provides me with balance.” – Andrea, Criminology BA (Hons), Security Studies (MA)

Managing family life, caring responsibilities or a job alongside studying is definitely a challenge. This is why it’s important to be realistic when researching a postgraduate degree. How many hours will you need to be at university? What does your commute look like? Can you get support with childcare or other commitments? These are all important questions to ask before you decide and will be unique to your situation.

A positive of going back to university from work is that you’re likely to be used to regular working hours and getting 30+ hours a week in, this means you’ve got the upper hand. You can use the time management skills you’ve developed at work and apply them to your studies. You can also get in touch with universities to find out what types of support they offer.

Tip: Create a schedule for the week, plan in your current time commitments and identify gaps where you could fit in quiet study. Most lectures happen between 9am and 5pm, so identify where there could be challenges in advance and think of potential solutions.

Finances

Finances can also be a major concern when returning to education, especially for those who have been working for a while and have got used to a regular salary. Fortunately, there are multiple funding options available to support mature students pursuing postgraduate studies. You might be eligible for loans, bursaries, studentships or be able to get funding from your employer. Check the Student Finance England website for more information.

“I started to look into degrees that would give me a better chance of progression in my career, and that’s when I discovered Birmingham City University. I was fortunate to receive a loan from my employer to pursue my postgraduate degree, which helped me to go back into education.” – Claudine, Real Estate Management MSc

It’s important to weigh up the financial considerations, how will you fund the degree and your living expenses? Will you be eligible for Student Finance? Will your employer fund some or all your costs? Depending on your situation you might find it’s better to study part-time while working full time.

Tip: You can also look up bursaries, grants or scholarships for studying in your field. For example BCU offer a fully funded MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Getting back into academic study

Returning to university after a break from academic studies can be a daunting prospect. It's completely normal to feel a bit rusty initially. To make the transition easier, consider refreshing your study skills through online tutorials or workshops. Universities also offer support with academic skills like referencing, critical analysis and more. Check what’s on offer on the university’s website or speak to support teams at Open Days to find out more.

“The staff were incredibly helpful and they offered sessions for me to improve my academic writing. There were also many support services to help with our learning too.” – Abed, Secondary Mathematics - PGCE

As mentioned above, one of your strengths as a mature student will be your work ethic. On top of that, you’ll also have access to academic support with your university, for example at BCU the Centre for Academic Success, and the Library teams offer support with key skills. Plus, your tutors will be more than willing to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out. There are also a wide range of digital tools you can use to help with note-taking, essay planning, grammar and more.

Tip: check what support is offered by the university to help with academic skills when researching courses. Use search and AI to look up what tools could help you in areas of concern, like Grammarly for spelling and grammar, or Otter for transcribing and note taking.

Social life

It can also be intimidating going back to university as your peers may be much younger than you. Even coming back after a few years away it could feel like you’ll have nothing in common. However, coming back to university as a mature student is more common than you might think, particularly in subjects such as health and social care. There’s also a society for mature students which is protected by the Students' Union.

“I attended quite a few open days, as it was important to me to find somewhere that was inclusive for mature students. BCU definitely had the most welcoming environment, I instantly felt at home.” – Jodie, Social Work BSc (Hons)

One of the biggest opportunities of education is getting to meet a variety of people. Although it might feel intimidating, meeting new people of different ages and backgrounds on your course could be a learning experience that opens you up to new perspectives. You also have a lot to offer in terms of your own experience and learning and can share that with your fellow students.

Tip: get to know your fellow students and investigate societies where you might be able to meet other mature students. Attend events and don’t be afraid to network.

Practical tips for going back to university after a break

• Manage your time: create a realistic study schedule that works for your other commitments. Plan in times for studying that fit around your schedule or consider studying part-time.
• Use support services: most universities offer a wide range of support services, so make the most of them. These include academic guidance, counselling, career development, disability, care and finance.
• Get connected: While you’re studying, use the opportunity to build up your professional network, find out what organisations you can become a member of and leverage the institution’s connections, particularly if you’re using your postgraduate to change career or progress.
• Research your options: there are multiple different ways to study a postgraduate degree, from studying full time while working part time to working full time and studying part time. Find out what will work best for you and suits your goals.
• Focus on your why: remember why you want to study a postgraduate degree and focus on the goal. It can be challenging to balance everything so focussing back in on what you want to achieve will help you get through.

Returning to university for a postgraduate degree is a personal journey that comes with multiple challenges and rewards. Whether you opt for part-time or full-time study, remember that universities are well-equipped to support students like you. Take the time to carefully weigh your options and consider what aligns best with your goals and lifestyle. It's never too late to invest in your education and create the future you want.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore your options, reach out to universities for guidance, and visit open days. While the journey may have its ups and downs, the potential for growth, fulfilment, and new opportunities makes it all worthwhile. Remember, your choice to return to university is unique and deeply personal—trust yourself to make the decision that best suits you.