Last year I wrote a post on going to Uni at 25. 

Now I am officially 25 and I start university in July joining in second semester. Which sounds crazy to me! It still doesn’t feel real and I don’t think it will till I start my course.

At the start of January as the place I was working was pulling down the majority of the Back to school promo I started to have a mini panic attack that in less than 6months I was going to be starting school too and I didnt have any supplies or even know what supplies I need. So I panic bought some notebooks, highlighters and a pencil case, because why not?

But in reality supplies are the least of my worries.
For starters although I am enrolled into my course my current battle is payment. Studylink. Every kiwis worst nightmare. And I have never been taught how to use studylink.

My first issue is the fact that I can get my student loan payed for which is perfect but because I am in a relationship I am deemed unworthy, no matter what income I put into the box, for any student allowance. I am expected to live off my partner. Which I find absurd. The government should be making it easier for older people with lives apply for Uni without the financial burden. Not harder. For an 18 year old may use their student loan on accommodation and O week, I was looking for a little support for rent and food so not everything falls on my partner and so I can still work and study successfully. But that is not allowed.

Which is why I chose my university very carefully. I knew I couldn’t afford to study full time and I wanted online courses. When I found Massey university did distance learning I emailed querying if it would be suitable for someone working full time to take this course. I was told each course had 7years to complete it in and it was up to me how many courses/credits I wanted to enroll into each semester. They gave me advice on what people working full time and studying would usually do and it was completely in my control.
This filled me with confidence that I could successfully do this while still working and not be in financial shit. It gives me more control over my schedule and has meant I can ease myself in to studying again at my pace and not feel like im failing and made the worst mistake of my life.
Which is my biggest fear with going back into education.

-fingers crossed this doesn’t happen.-