Advice for returning to education
Returning to education can be scary, but being an older student has its benefits.
Starting a new course can give you opportunities and empower you to achieve your goals and ambitions. Through learning, you can rediscover your talents, boost your self-esteem and find your purpose.
If you want to return to education there are several things you should think about.
Involve people in your decision making
Although it's important that you choose is the right direction for you, it's a good idea to talk to the people around you about your decisions.
Talking through your ideas can help make things clearer and give you a different perspective. If you don't have family and friends to talk to, your work coach or adviser will help you weigh up your choices.
Talking things through with people you trust involves them in your future success, and they are more likely to play a supportive role as a result.
Organise your finances
It’s important to think about course fees and how studying might affect your ability to work or claim benefits.
Find out about funding for adult education.
Find out about student finance and funding.
Remember you can talk about your finances with your work coach or adviser too.
Improve your digital skills
If it has been a while since you have studied, your digital skills may not be as good as you'd like. You can expect a lot of the work you do will be digital in some way.
Find how to improve your skills and access equipment.
More information
Find out about Access courses, which allow people without qualifications to prepare for study at University.
If you want to do a course but are not sure where to start, you can get get careers advice.