on studying (part 2)

So what are the problems with university? Lack of routine? Student? I suppose moving from a job where I did not really have that much freedom and always knew where I needed to be, at what time I needed to be there and what I needed to do made life much more simple albeit restricted. After leaving the army I found myself having for the first time in a long while, much more responsibility for myself (but more about that in my army blog).

So, I am now at uni aged 26 so slightly older than most people that would usually be attending uni...or so I thought. One of the special things about Birkbeck is that it is designed for older people who have careers but want to study in their free time in order to change careers or just because they are interested. It is quite unique, I mean for example, we have a guy who started in the same year as me (but is doing a slower course) who is a successful sort of chap working in the City of London BUT has an avid interest in other planets and space so is doing a certificate in planetary geology just for the shear fun of it. This unique situation means that actually I was not the oldest around and actually my short military career paled in comparison to the wide plethora of jobs people had. None of that mattered though, we were all there to look at rocks in the end.

Back to the problems. I had no routine now. I knew I had to attend lectures and I had work to do but nobody made me go and I certainly would not be punished for not showing up. It is strange for a 26 year old to suddenly have to develop a very fast sense of self-discipline. I always felt that I had it anyway but looking back, when in the army, if we could get away with not doing something then we would jump at the chance as we knew that some other crap job would be around the corner soon and the time off would slowly or suddenly dry up. Added to this was the sudden drop in cash. Luckily I have a job moderated for some certain websites but won't say anymore on that (:P) and I am in the OTC (another blog) and of course, student loans help. I am very fortunate that I do not have to pay tuition fees thanks to the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition pushing through the military covenant into law essentially saying that those without degrees who have done 5 years or more can get one for free.

Although I do like the university I go too, it also comes with problems, mainly that despite paying £9k a year in tuition fees we do seem to have to fork out an awful amount of money on extras such as all of the field classes. Being a uni that is geared for working adults, it sometimes forgets that it has full time students who are dependent on this degree to get a job. That said, we have some of the best lecturers around. Many of the professors are hugely approachable and you do not need to have a month long wait to chat with them.

Anyway, uni is great and well worth being there. One more year to go.