Is this a good time to go to university (mature student)

[Titslikepicassos]

Life has hit a crossroads...

I’ve wanted to go to university for a few years and now have the qualifications to apply for the course I want to do. I’ve been working in the industry for many years so would hope I have a shot of being accepted.

However, I’m now wondering if I should wait a year and see what happens with Covid, and the economy. A friend said it would be easier to get in next year when the university’s are not dealing with the fallout of the pandemic, she’s under the impression that they are taking on a reduced cohort to apply social distancing measures and they will be prioritising the younger applicants.

Can’t get hold of the admissions team until Thursday so thought I’d ask here in the meantime.

Speaking only for my course (academic) we are looking at a bug cohort this September. Despite fears that lots would defer, it's not seeming that they are.. Though this could change in coming days.

I think I would think selfishly about what is the right time for you? Is your job stable just now? Are you ready to start in September? Would you be better prepared next year? The admissions team will guide you but I also think next year could be more competitive is there are more deferrals in some courses.

*big not bug!

Thanks @Mumteedum - I’m on maternity leave and while I have a stable job, I have a formal grievance in against my boss that I don’t think I’ll be able to come back from.

There’s probably no better time to apply but I have some anxiety about coming out of the job market due to the current climate.

I work in HE and to be honest I think it’ll be harder to get in next year - it’ll be a bigger cohort anyway due to the demographics and that cohort being the start of a mini-baby boom turning student age, not to mention the addition of people who deferred from this year, so there’ll be a lot of competition.

We're not looking to reduce intake this year, far from it, and there may be additional opportunities for home students if international students don’t take up their places.

I would certainly apply this year if you are ready. Next year more people might apply as they feel it will be safer to do so. However, your skills will be assessed by the university so you stand as good a chance as any whichever year you apply. Oh and you will certainly not be pushed aside for younger applicants, thats nonsense.

As for the job market in the current climate, will your degree not enhance your skills? Will it put you in a better position to apply for roles in your field? These are things you need to discuss with the course leader not admissions.

I agree I'd apply this year. Universities are not taking less students at all, there will be more space as less international students. The following year is likely to be very competitive with the usual numbers plus extras who deferred from this year, or decided to delay a year. And for a self motivated mature learner you may well find it a good year, with lots more flexibility. Plus you will graduate into a smaller year with less competition for graduate jobs.

I'm in the same boat.
I've been considering going back to Uni to don Masters for years and never felt like it was a good time.
At the beginning of lockdown when I didn't think I have a job to go back to I applied. And I got accepted. I've even been offered a part-scholarship.
But now it seems I do still have a job. So I need to decide what to do...
I think this year may be better for mature students (I will have a commute) as some lectures at the beginning of term may be online. And will also have additional support. I think there may also have been less people applying.
I'm yet to decide whether to go this year or defer it. But it feels great to have taken the step.
Why don't you apply and see what happens? You don't have to go even if they accept you.

I would also apply this year as I think a lot of applicants will be thinking the same and classes may be undersubscribed, plus it looks as though there will be another huge recession which means more people going in to further education next year. I mentor as part of my university alumni and a couple lecturers have mentioned that there will be a blend of online and classroom based learning so students this year will be eased in to a new way of working.

Thanks all.

I think I’ll apply for this year and see what happens.

The course will definitely enhance my current skills and make me more employable. I’ve reached as high as I can without a degree.

@MamaNell - good luck with whatever you decide, exciting times.