Chris Hodgson

Giving up my previous career and going to university at the age of 40 has been one of the best decisions of my life. With all the usual living costs, I had wondered whether I would be able to manage financially. A small bursary and acceptance for a student loan swayed me into taking the plunge.

I particularly enjoy the excellent social aspects of attending university and meeting dozens of new people who often have a similar tale to tell. Those people are also a source of encouragement and support when tackling assignments and doing research.

As I am studying Social Work, I consider being a mature student a real advantage and my life experiences are particularly useful. My first year at Northumbria, I feel, has been a case of laying the groundwork for the rest of the course. The placements have been especially interesting and rewarding.

Having been out of education for a long time, I am glad I prepared for this course by studying at evening classes. It enabled me to learn again how to study and how to manage my time well. I also appreciated the support offered to mature students by the University, who organised a day aimed at giving ‘tips’ to those of us who had not attended school for quite some time. In addition, the University runs a Student Shadowing Scheme, in which I have since acted as a ‘mentor’. This allows a potential student to ‘shadow’ a current student throughout their university day, attending lectures and seminars, and finding out about the course and university life from the students themselves.

Since becoming a student I have been able to earn some money by acting as a student rep at Open Days, and also by agreeing to take part in a photo shoot for a University publication. Well, everyone makes mistakes, even at university!