The majority of students head straight to university from their parents’ homes around the age of eighteen. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to fit into this niche demographic to pursue higher education. Mature students – or students aged 21 and over at the start of their studies – constitute a significant portion of the majority of campus’ students. One thing that does tend to put mature students off studying, however, is the stereotypical student lifestyle. But not to worry. You can study without living like a student. Here are a few steps to get you started in the right direction.
High-Quality Student Accommodation
When we think of student accommodation, all sorts of undesirable things spring to mind. We think of chaotic shared kitchens, sinks piled high with dirty dishes, sticky beer spilt over the counters, and food left to go bad in the fridge over the holiday break. We think of shared bathrooms, plugs clogged with hair, and overwhelming evidence that someone else has been using your razor. That’s before we get started on the walls plastered with all sorts of obscure posters and fabrics acquired through gap year travels draped across the ceilings. In short, this lifestyle might be fine for people who have just left home and may not have the highest standards of hygiene or style, but for the majority of us, it’s unacceptable and definitely not the kind of place that we’d want to return to after a long day of study. A good thing to bear in mind is that you don’t necessarily have to houseshare. Take a look at Urbanest accommodation. These studio apartments, private rooms, and en-suite rooms offer privacy and independence.
Be Savvy With Food Shopping
Sure, you could look at your budget and accept that you’re going to survive on a diet of Pot Noodles and own brand bread and butter like many students do, or you could be a little more savvy when it comes to food shopping. You can really make your money go further by using budget stores, opting for alternative brands, and finding out what time fresh goods are reduced due to close sell by dates (remember that sell by dates and use by dates differ).
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No to a Night Out
Students are renowned for heading out most nights of the week. They seem relentlessly. However, if you’re starting your studies at a later age, you may have put those years behind you. Sure, you’re going to want to head out every now and again. Once a week tends to be enough for the majority of us. But you probably don’t want to have to deal with hangovers on a daily basis. So, don’t be afraid to say no when plans don’t tie in with your schedule. The years of being talked into something via peer pressure or to fit in with the crowd are behind you.
As you can see, it is possible to study at university without having to succumb to student stereotypes or sacrifice your general quality of life. Following the above steps should get you started in the right direction!
