want to go to uni, but I'm old and don't know where to start!

[tractorguurl]

Hello :) Basically, I want to apply to uni to study archaeology and classics. I am good friends with one of the tutors there, and he says they will accept me if I do a year of part time lectures for mature students, or an access course. He thinks that the part time thing is the way to go as it will give me direct experience of the actual course. I will be applying as a mature student as I'm 31 now with an 8 yr old and a 15 month old. But I have questions...

a)will it work, me going to uni with 2 kids? Uni is 60 miles away (we live in the middle of nowhere lol). How do people manage it? I have always been a stay at home mum and no clue how to actually structure my life to do something more taxing than washing dishes all day :(

b) How and where do I find out about help and support? Will I qualify for funding, as dh is only only 14k a year.

c) Why do I feel horrible for sending my littlest to nursery? I feel sick at the thought of it, even though he will probably love it. Am I being selfish wanting to do something for myself?

d) How on earth am I going to find the confidence to actually even apply for the part time courses? I have been a sahm for the last 9 years, I suffered severe PND last year after my littlest, I don't even feel like "me" anymore. Yet I have no idea who me is...

Thoughts please people...please be kind lol :)

Firstly, what a positive step you're making! Brilliant.

I'm currently in my second year of a full time English degree with a 21 month old DD and a part time job. It's tough going but rewarding.

You should be eligible for maintenance grants and student loans for the tuition fees. If you apply on direct.gov.uk/student finance, they'll let you know how much you should get.

I did an Access course prior to uni as I didn't have my A-levels. That was really good experience, not least because there were lots of mature students of varying ages there. I would apply asap as there won't be many places left for this September.

60 miles is quite a trek, but if you have your own car it shouldn't be too bad, and it might be nice for you to have some alone time (child-free!)

Don't feel bad about placing your youngest in a nursery - he'll enjoy it, and interact with other children the same age, and you'll find he'll come back learning so many different things.

Wishing you all the best!

I'm rarely on MN these days but feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Hi. I did an Access course at 30 and was a bit nervous too.

It really was the best thing I ever did, it reintroduced me to learning and gave me lots of confidence. I have just finished my second year at Uni and, while there are times I curse essays and referencing, I love it.

As previously said, check out student finance on the Direct.gov page. It's very helpful. However, I think that's only for university students. Your college might have funding available, so it's worth asking.

My children were school age when I returned to education, so I only had to find before/after school care. You shouldn't feel guilty about putting your child in nursery, they will love it and you will be doing something that makes you happy. Win, win!

On my Access course there was a wide range of ages. From 20 to 50. Most people were about my age so I didn't feel old or left out as I had feared.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Just wanted to say you are NOT old?!! You are NOT being selfish! And it is NOT more taxing than washing dishes all day! (although if you still have to do both that'll suck. Get a dishwasher?) I've been a 'mature' student on a tough course but it really is relaxing compared to ft parenting. Your youngest will probably have a great time at nursery too, settle him in gradually though if you can & make sure you're happy about it because if you're anxious he'll pick up on that. Is there a nursery at the Uni? Some have nurseries attached which means you can pop in & see ds between lectures & that you can get more help with funding usually. But you usually have to apply for a place pretty early because they fill up quickly. I didn't do an access course but know plenty of others who did (at all ages) & it seems to be a great way to get introduced to studying and to plenty of other people who will be in the same boat as you. Good luck!

I've just finished a access course and have a uni place for 2013, I deferred this year as I want to spend this year paying some debts up. I'm bricking it but I think its good to push yourself into things even tho its scary :) go for it. I've got so much from just the access course its been worth it x

I went to University at 30. My Dc were 2, 4, 6 & 7 and I had 2 PT jobs

Luckily at the time I had a supportive DH and at essay-deadline time he would take them out all day on a Sunday and I would just sit down and work (sadly this helpfulness no longer happens).

Don't know about your other queries but I found it really interesting and energising. Certainly got 'me' back again for those 3 years, and met some lovely people along the way. It was a huge thrill that the lecturers had written the books we were studying - something the youngsters didn't bat an eyelid at.