Life as a mature student at Huddersfield
Luke McDonough-Stratford
Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)
Hello, my name is Luke and I’m a third year Physiotherapy student at Huddersfield. I'm classed as a mature student and I moved to Huddersfield from Leeds just before I started my degree course.
Hello, I’m Luke, I am 32 and I am a student physiotherapist at Huddersfield.
My life before embarking on my new adventure as a mature student was quite the contrast to where I am now heading.
Having previously studied a degree in Forensic Science, fresh out of sixth form college, I then found myself working in the arts.
For the vast majority of the 10 years between my first course and returning to Higher Education, I worked pretty much full-time in various different casual contracts for numerous arts organisations, but most notably in one of the major theatres in my home city.
Whilst there, I worked my way through a diverse range of roles from front-of-house, to creative engagement and even maintenance. I eventually progressed to the position of assistant manager within the theatre’s Costume Hire Department.
It was a magical place to work, every morning resembled stepping through a wardrobe into the magically fantasy world that is Narnia, but as wonderful as it was, it could never offer me a career. That’s when I decided returning to study was the next door I needed to open.
Returning to Higher Education
Going back to university after so long definitely felt exciting, especially the thought of the new chapter that lay ahead. I was undoubtedly ready for change or a new challenge. However, the process can still feel just as daunting as the first time, just for very different reasons.
My biggest concern was giving up paid work, and the freedom attached to a weekly payslip because that alone is quite a lifestyle shift. I was also concerned I might be rusty slipping back into education after such a long gap, paired with the presumption that I would be the only student in my position. However, in reality, I am by no means the only mature student and, more surprisingly, I have actually discovered that it really doesn’t matter.
My closest course mates are a whole range of ages and because of the nature of the course and our small group size, which is designed for us to work to together simulating the professional role, my course feels so much more supportive than my first degree. This certainly helped smooth that transition back into studying.
The NHS bursary that UK students on allied health courses can apply for, has also helped significantly with living and travel costs so, it really wasn’t long before all my prior reservations were completely squashed.
Study-life balance
Physiotherapy can be quite an intense course, so getting the right balance between study, social activities and downtime has been really important to my overall wellbeing.
Although my day-to-day has inevitably changed, I try to make sure I can fit enough exercise in weekly.
This is beneficial physically, and has helped me establish some new friends outside of my course through things such as Pilates, pole fitness, aerial silks and gym sessions. There are lots of options in Huddersfield for things to do that are easily accessible.
Whilst I have found increasing my social circle has enhanced my student experience, I also value the opportunity to relax and unwind more so than ever before, particularly following a study session in the library or a full day of practical sessions.
Moving away from home
Unlike many mature students, I chose to move away from home to live in shared student accommodation in Huddersfield, primarily to gain my own study space, which has been a brilliant way of finding focus.
This has also, unexpectedly, provided me with a space that is just that...space!
I have made an effort to decorate my room in a way that reminds me of home, with pictures and fairy lights, which creates a home-from-home and also offers the perfect, chilled, stress-busting environment.
Although I'm on a new adventure, it’s still very important for me to maintain a connection with my old life too.
So rather than complete change, I have just adapted. For example, by making the effort to travel back home and take part in the dance projects I would have prior, continuing a part-time job as an open water lifeguard, and by showing family around the beautiful open spaces Huddersfield has to offer such as Greenhead Park, Beaumont Park and Castle Hill.
Get involved in uni life
I have personally found it really rewarding immersing myself in everything the University has to offer.
For example, I joined the Dance Society where I am the oldest student in the studio and also the only guy, but everyone is so friendly, welcoming and supportive regardless, so I feel included.
I even got the opportunity to fulfil a long-term ambition in joining the competition team and represented the University at the Sheffield Dance Competition in a lyrical group piece.
Being older also has its benefits in regards to the bit of life experience I can to bring to the table. That was certainly useful whilst I worked with the Physio Society to create course hoodies to raise £180 for The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal - I wouldn’t have known where to start with something like that 10 years ago.
No regrets
I have absolutely no regrets returning to university to study Physiotherapy, in fact, having some general life experience has often felt like an advantage.
Essentially, it's down to timing, which is different for everyone, but I am convinced this is the right path for me and I am pretty sure I am better equipped for this change because I am that bit older than the majority of undergraduate students.
What I can say with utmost certainty is that, I have never felt disadvantaged as a mature student here at Huddersfield, in fact my course feels so inclusive that sometimes I forget I am!
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