Going back to school is a big decision for older adults. It can be an intimidating thing to consider, seeing as most students are in their late teens and early 20s. You may even think that doing so would be a waste of time, seeing as you already have an income and bills to pay. 

But maybe you’ve found a passion for something in later years? Or maybe you want to re-educate yourself with the aim of getting onto a different career path? Maybe you just never found the time to go through higher education in your early adulthood - any reason to go back to school is valid! 

The thing we want to focus on here is how difficult the process might be. That doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it, but the more you know about the challenges, the more realistic your expectations will be. 

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You Won’t Be the Only One

You may feel like a total outsider and completely out of place before you step foot on campus, but the truth may be a lot different to what you’re expecting. Older students head back to school all the time, and in many institutions like Helms College, these students are encouraged and celebrated in their choice to do so. 

If you think you’re going to be the only one and that you’re going to find the isolation difficult, we urge you to reframe your mindset. You’re going to see people of all ages in higher education! You just need to expose yourself to the scenario to find out just how common situations like yours really are. 

Make sure you talk to people of the same age group or background reasons as you. The more you do so, the less alone you’ll feel, and the more motivated you’ll be to get into the course and enjoy it. 

The Cost Can Take Some Getting Used to 

In most scenarios, a person going through higher education will be solely focused on the degree or course they’re doing. They may have a part time job to help them pay their way, but student loans usually allow them to pay for their education in full from the moment they’re accepted.

For older students heading back to school, student loans are still possible to apply for. You may also have access to exclusive bursaries to support your reentry into education. Make sure you look into these options. 

However, you’ll have all the other costs of adult life on your back as well, and if you decide to cut your working hours or leave your job altogether, these can be tough to keep up with. Finding the right balance to pay for your lifestyle will take time. 

Going back to school as an adult is a change and needs careful consideration. However, it’s rarely the daunting, impossible prospect that a lot of older learners think it is. As long as you’ve got the time and willingness to make things work, it’ll work!