Returning to education after several years, or longer, can seem like a daunting prospect for most students. However, Royal Holloway values the diversity and life experience mature students bring when they begin university. Many mature students have a greater sense of purpose and vision, having taken the time to consider what they want from life and how they would like to achieve their goals.

Many mature students do not follow the traditional routes into higher education. If you do not have the usual entry requirements for undergraduate courses or you have been away from education for a long time you may need to take an Access to Higher Education course before starting your studies here. For further information see www.accesstohe.ac.uk   

Even if you do not need to take an access course some mature students feel less confident about their academic skills. Our Centre for the Development of Academic Skills (CeDAS) offers workshops for all students throughout the year which focus on a range of skills such as essay writing, clarity in academic writing, critical thinking, improving grammar, exam techniques, presentation skills and many more. Additionally they have a variety of online resources to download and you can also book yourself in for 1:1 writing tutorials.

Make the most of the careers service whilst you are here. With previous work and/or family experience in addition to your degree you have a lot to offer employers when you graduate.