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'By telling my university about my difficulties they have been able to put fantastic learning support in place and I feel very supported'
Name: Heather K
Age: 33
Studying: BA Psychology at the University of Strathclyde
Qualifications: A levels, HNC in Counselling
I left college when I was 17 with 3 A levels. I loved English literature and wanted to study it at university in the hope of becoming a writer. However, I decided I wanted to take a year out first and work in the voluntary sector. I got a job as a project worker with homeless alcoholics and enjoyed the work so much that I decided not to return to full- time education.
After taking a prolonged amount of time off work due to ill health I decided that rather than go back to my old job as a mental health support worker, I would return to education so that I could add a qualification to my practical experience and further my career. I researched the options available to me online and then visited several campuses to find which one suited me best.
I had several concerns about going to university. I am dyslexic and dysphasic so I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up. By telling my university about my difficulties they have been able to put fantastic learning support in place and I feel very supported.
I was also worried about time constraints. I'm married and we have a 10 year old daughter. I'm also a carer for my disabled mother and I work part time. I was concerned that I wouldn't have time to run my everyday life and have time to study. However, I've been able to overcome this by being organised with my time and making sure I don't fall behind with coursework. It can be difficult spending so much time studying, but I've found that as long as I set aside time with my family with no distractions, they are very understanding.
Despite these concerns, when I started studying, I enjoyed it so much that I decided I wanted to continue in education as opposed to returning to my job.
The constant deadlines are stressful and my advice is to be organised and prepared. At the start of every semester I mark up all my deadlines on a wall planner so I can see what is due and when. I also use an academic diary to plan when I am going to the library and when I can study. I had a tendency to procrastinate when an assignment was due and ended up having to work all night before a deadline. So I now try to do a little bit every day, just so I don't feel overwhelmed.
Study groups are really useful for helping you gain a better understanding of course material. Once I settled into university I spoke to a couple of people who had a similar work ethic to me and now we coach each other through assignments. Sometimes it helps just to know you're not the only person struggling. You should never struggle in silence.