Hi I’m Jade I am currently studying a BSc Hons degree in Midwifery here at Hallam University. I am fairly local, living only 12 miles from the University, although in the morning traffic it takes well over 90 minutes to get here, compared with the normal 20 minutes! I am almost 38 years young and live with my husband and 2 children age 7 and 16 years. I also have a step daughter who has flown the nest to live in Sheffield as she too studies at Sheffield Hallam.

Returning to Learning

I knew from an early age I wanted to be a Midwife, however life doesn’t always go to plan. My children came first and after having a job to fit around my children, once they reached full time school age and gained a bit of independence I too decided it was time to retrieve some of my independence. I therefore returned to study, firstly resitting some GSCEs and an Access course to gain the entry requirements for the midwifery course. It was whilst at college I visited an open day at Sheffield Hallam and heard about the Mature Students’ Welcome Programme.

Mature Students’ Welcome Programme

After applying and receiving my offer of place at Hallam I decided to attend the Mature Students’ Welcome Programme as I felt nervous about starting University. I felt worried I’d be one of the oldest and therefore worried if I would fit in. I found it daunting to be starting all over again in full time study and worried if it was the right decision. I was greeted by some very friendly faces and lots of other mature students too. I felt relieved that there were so many other mature students starting university at the same time.

Some student ambassadors presented to us during the programme which I found immensely helpful. They were enthusiastic and talked about their feelings and experiences which related to my own feelings. For me this really helped, it made it all feel possible and reassured me that I was making the right decision. I talked to lots of other mature students and found we all had similar anxieties about starting University, and it was really great to share and talk about these fears. After the first day they were not fears anymore and I went home happy and looking forward to the next day.

We received some good tips about finance and funding available and also had a tour around and spoke about the University’s IT systems. It made that fast approaching first day at University seem less daunting for me. I felt ready and prepared and it was really nice to get to know some other students and staff, as I knew I had a friendly face I could look for around university when I did start. I enjoyed the programme so much I decided I would like to give something back and make new students feel the way I felt after the programme.

Working as a mature student ambassador

Once I started I kept my eye on the careers opportunities and signed up for campus job alert emails, where I spotted an advertisement for mature student ambassadors. I knew I had to try to be a part of this, so I applied. And now here am at the end of my first year, I have been a part of a Mature Student Welcome Programme as an ambassador and also worked on the Returning to Learning stand during an Open Day. Despite my initial fears of presenting publically, being an ambassador and feeling I’m helping others in their transition has given me the confidence to do it. I have a very busy schedule with my course and family life, it is a juggle but it is doable, if you’re enthusiastic and organised it can be done. I love being an ambassador as it helps me meet new people and I feel like I’m helping them as they start their journey here at Hallam. The staff members are great, friendly and supportive and always worked around my availability, letting me know which days are available to work as an ambassador. I never thought I’d be able to work with such a demanding course and the juggle of this with my home life, but it can be done!

I am hoping to be working at the Mature Students’ Welcome Programme in September so please come along, I’ll see you there! Please do say hello!!

My experience of the Mature Student Welcome Programme – Case Study By Jade Hicks