Classics
Postgraduate experiences

Kate Collingridge

Kate Collingridge

I was in my mid-forties when I came to University. Like most mature students I thought I was going to appear idiotic next to students straight from school, and to a certain extent I did. I was however extremely lucky to came to Classics, since the staff were extremely supportive, both work-wise and pastorally. Luckily for all prospective students, postgraduate or undergraduate, this is still the case.

You do have to work - and it is different for mature students, you will already have a life outside if University, including commitments that some of the younger students will not understand. Banish thoughts of not ‘fitting in’; I went to more 21st -birthday parties in my third undergraduate year than I ever did in my youth! You’ll find students are very accepting, no matter what age you are. Advice? Do the work, try to have a social life and buy a warm hat - this is Edinburgh after all; believe me, you’ll need it.