Claire - Testimonial
Name: Claire
Age: 29
Course: BA (Hons) Media Writing
Year: 2
1. What were you doing before university?
I was at home with my son, working for temping agencies occasionally doing manual work, mainly packing in factories.
2. How did you get into university?
Well, I started by applying to start on an Access to Higher Education course. I did this over two years and did GCSE's in Maths and English.
I also completed an IBT2 course in computing alongside the Access course.
After I completed my Access course, I started a degree in Humanities at another university, however, I didn't enjoy it and quit 6 weeks before the end of the first year. I planned on taking a year out but whilst casually browsing the internet soon after, I found the perfect course at the Institute. I phoned up the media department and spoke to them about the course, applied through UCAS and started at Southampton Solent University the following September.
3. Why did you decide to go to university?
I went to uni because I wanted to make something of myself. I always secretly wanted to get a degree but never thought it possible. I came to a crossroads in my life, and I was either going to make something of myself or stay the same forever. I also felt there had to be more to life than just existing.
4. Did you have any reservations about studying at university, and if so to what extent were these realised?
Yes, I was worried that it would all be young middle class eighteen year olds and while this was the case in the majority there were some people from my background and age group. However, everyone, irrespective of where they have come from have been very friendly and I feel totally at home at Southampton Solent University.
I was also worried that the lecturing staff would not be sympathetic to the fact that my family has to come before my studies. In the past I have came across teachers that believed studies should be my number one priority and everything else needed to come second but I didn't find this at all. The staff in my faculty have been more than generous in understanding that I am a mum first and foremost. They couldn't have been more friendly and helpful.
I was worried about the financial aspect too. To be honest this has been difficult but it is possible. The Student Services were very helpful and told me about everything I was entitled to.
5. As a mature student do you think you had a different university experience, and how do you feel you fitted in with the 'traditional' students ?
Yes. Without doubt I have a different experience to the 'youngsters.' The young students have no responsibilities, often live away from home and can work part time. Alongside my studies I have to look after my son and keep my home together. I need to work but just don't have the time to. Plus, I don't think I could have done this course at 18 because I just didn't have it in me. I think life experience is very helpful and my life skills have been transferable and enabled me to do well on a course I enjoy.
I think I do fit in well with the younger students. I don't socialise with them but I do get on well with everyone, and while I do feel different, both students and staff help to minimise this feeling. This is obvious in my role as Student Representative.
6. Do you think the university experience is changing you?
Without a doubt. I am a completely different person to pre-HE education in so many ways. A lot of things have changed for me as a person; all of them positive. If someone had told me, say five years ago, where I would be now and where I can expect to be in the near future, I wouldn't have believed them.
7. Do you have any advice for a prospective mature student?
Just do it. Stop thinking about it and make it happen. No matter what you want to do, all you have to do is believe in yourself. Help and support is out there if you need it - so make the most of it. Southampton Solent University is a very good place to consider studying if you are a mature student (with or without children) because they are understanding and supportive. Coming here to study BA (Hons) Media Writing was the best decision I have ever made. I have a future and so can you!