Mature Students.....

minimoi

Hello people

Just wondered if any one else had been in the same situation or knew of people who had done this. (Parents whos children have done it....)

I started a degree course in Sept 2001 and did 18 months of it having already changed course from Estate Management (4yrs including a sandwich) to Countryside Management also with a sandwich.

I did 18 months and went out on my sandwich placement and decided i didn't want to go back to finish my degree so managed to get my sandwich employers to take me on full time. I have now got as far as I am ever going to get and want to go back to finish my degree.

My questions are:-

Is this possible? And if so can I pick up where i left off at the same uni?

How much is it going to cost me? And am I eligible for student loans etc?

Many Thanks

Matt :rolleyes:

popapapa

Hi Matt !

As a mature student myself I can tell you that student loan and general financial support will depend on your current personal financial circumstances (whether you have dependants for example...). as soon as you register for full time study for example you can get exemption from council tax payments.

Since you only gave up studying a few years ago I don't think there will be a problem re-registering for the course. Personally, I am with the OU and studying post-graduate but I found their courses suitable for studying and working together, which is an advantage.

whatever you choose, good luck!

chugalug

Your funding will depend on your LA as they are the one's who assess you and tell the student loan co. what you're entitled to. With my LA, you're allowed one 'false start' before it affects future funding ie you can start a degree, leave and then start another one at a different time and still get funded. I think I remember that being the case for all LA's but maybe it depends on your degree. Everyone's entitled to a basic student loan though - it might be that you'll have to pay full fees etc. Someone else will come along soon and give you more info!!!

minimoi

Hi guys

Obviously at 23 (A young Mature Student!!) I have been self financing myself for three plus years now how do you have to prove that to the LEA - Obviously my partner is also a student and we will be renting a flat together in Chester where she is at uni and its an hours drive to where I want to be.

I have spoken to my old uni and they say there shouldnt be a problem about going back but how does it work do you have to apply through UCAS again or do you deal direct with the uni!?

The uni have said I will be exempt from another sandwich year so thats good.

The LA that assess me will that be the orginal one that I started with or where I live now?

Cheers

Matt

melancholly

If you've already spoken to your old uni and they've been positive, I'd go back to them and ask the admissions tutor how you take it from here. I've only known of academic transfers between unis (only needed for someone to avoid dropping out and having to re-start when the fees were introduced) - I don't know how it works when you've had a break....
hope you get it sorted

kar

Hiya, The LEA that you would approach is the one where you live now. Yes, you would have to prove that you have supported yourself for 3+ years. (Your LEA will be able to give you a list of what is considered proof) - your not actually old enough to automatically be considered independent!!! The only other option is to marry your partner and then you are considered independent automatically - (don't laugh I've actually considered this as we were planning on getting married summer 2007 anyway).

Speak to the uni again and find out how they would want you to apply and whether they would let you join the final year or would you have to start in year 1 or year 2 again. That would be the best place to start.

kar