You want to return to studying, but it’s been quite a while since you were last in a classroom – maybe a few years, or even a few decades. Well, you’re in good company. Every single year, thousands of people return to study after many years out, and the number of people doing so increases every year.

Adult learners contribute a huge amount of knowledge and experience to their courses and to college life in general. For this reason, London colleges have made studying more flexible for you, in terms of both time and teaching, so that everybody can be included, no matter how busy they may be.

On a more personal level, the benefits of studying are huge. For a start you’re doing something that’s about your personal growth and development. There’s the satisfaction of deciding what you want to do, just for you, then going and doing it; your career prospects immediately improve with any qualification, because you’re giving employers proof of your commitment – and adaptability – by learning new skills and deepening your knowledge. Obviously, there are potential financial benefits to you in doing this, simply because your earning potential is increased. Or you might simply be curious to learn something new purely for your own enjoyment – one of the best reasons to study.

So far, so good. You might have years of successful career experience behind you, or maybe you don’t have any formal qualifications. Either way, there’s a course at a London college that will benefit you.

But what about finding the time?

Chances are you’ve got plenty of commitments – family, friends, job, partner, rent, bills, or a mortgage – and then there’s the question of finding the money to pay course fees, buy the materials you’ll need, and the practicalities of getting reliable childcare, let alone the cost of it. The truth is that these are all really significant issues that will need to be worked out. London colleges have been helping their adult students to deal with them for years, so they needn’t be a problem. You can talk to the Student Support Service at your college to work out an action plan to help you study at the same time as meeting all your other commitments. Here’s how:

Money
Welfare benefits are available to some adult learners: see the links below for more in-depth information or call into your local jobcentre. In addition, many employers now offer financial assistance to staff who are taking a course that is relevant to their job. There are also charitable trusts whose sole purpose is to help adults return to study.

Parents & childcare
Tax credits and state benefits are available to parents wishing to study, details of which can be found at your local jobcentre, or from the DfES. Again, charitable trusts and some trade unions offer financial assistance, especially for working parents wishing to return to study. Wherever possible, colleges provide crèche facilities for students’ children, or can recommend one close by – speak to the Student Support Service at your college for more information.

Employers
Most employers have a staff development programme to ensure that the people working for them have the most up-to-date skills and knowledge to do their jobs effectively. They can offer you assistance with course fees, paid study leave and other study expenses. To find out more, speak to your HR/personnel department, or your line manager. It’s always worth speaking to a close colleague who knows your strengths and weaknesses: they may be able to help you make decisions about what to study, as well as decisions about the kind of time and financial commitment that will suit you best. 

Click here for useful links on General Guidance for 19+.