Life as a mature student at Keele
Business Management student Carly McDonald discusses what it’s like to study at Keele as a mature student.
Going straight from school or college to university is the norm but imagine being in a full-time, well-paid job and making the decision to leave that and become a student.
I did go to university when I left school after doing my A levels and I hated every single second of it, so why on earth did I decide I wanted to return 5 years later?
When I chose which university I wanted to go to at 18, I thought about where the best night life was going to be, where I could get that full university experience, far enough away from home that I could move out from my parents’ house. My reasons for choosing Keele, however, were very different. It’s close enough to home, where I live with my partner and puppy, that I can commute, and also the course is really flexible in terms of moulding it around the specific areas that I want to develop in academically and for general life knowledge.
It’s safe to say on my first day, I was absolutely petrified. I sat in my car in tears, completely regretting every decision I’d ever made in my life. After ringing my partner he told me to pull myself together, and in I walked.
Instantly, I was greeted with a nice smile and directed to a hall that had lots of information and representatives from each area of the university.
These are a one stop shop for guidance, I don’t think there’s a question that they couldn’t answer. They explained that as a mature student we have a designated contact that we should contact should any issues arise. This made me feel better straight away. The types of things that they can help you with, and direct you to the right places, are counselling and mental health, disability and dyslexia, money advice and guidance, and much more. All of these areas within Student Services are really friendly and welcoming too. I have dealt with all of these in my time at university so far and have never felt uncomfortable talking about any of my issues.
ASK (at KeeleSU) are an independent service, not employed by the university, and can give advice on academic and personal issues. They can represent you in academic meetings, help with money advice, help with issues with landlords, and much more. They are available online during Covid-19.
Personally I haven’t really had a lot to do with these as I don’t live on campus but, from speaking with other onsite students, I understand that they can help with any residential issues ensuring you have somewhere safe to live during your studies if you choose not to commute.
We also have a mature student Facebook group where students can ask questions, introduce themselves and communicate with other mature students throughout their time at Keele.
Along with Student Services, I run a coffee morning and other activities for mature students to meet up (virtually right now) with other people in the same situation as them.
A top tip which I wish I had known when I started is that, as a mature student, you are welcome to any Postgraduate events that are held by the Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA). In non-Covid times, you can also go into to the KPA Clubhouse, which does amazing food and the best variety of drinks on campus.
As Covid-19 hit, things at Keele changed. We could no longer go in person for a chat with Student Services or meet with friends on campus. The university adapted and even put in measures to ensure students were still able to achieve the best grades possible, despite being in the middle of a global pandemic.
If you do find yourself struggling to hit a deadline because of legitimate reasons, you can submit something called an EC, which will normally allow you to have an extended deadline. During semester 1 last year, I had some flooding in my house and I was really stressed with dealing with that and couldn’t focus on my studies. Due to this, I was allowed to submit an EC for a certain assessment I had due and it relieved me of so much pressure.
Within your school there will be additional support — if you need it, use it. Don’t be afraid of asking for help when you need it. I run a business alongside my studies, and the support I have had from some of my lecturers and support staff have been incredible. If they don’t know that you are struggling though, they can’t help you.
I look forward to welcoming you into the world of Keele and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I have so far!
