Meet our lifelong learning students

Our current and former students talk about their experiences of returning to education as a mature student, and how the Lifelong learning has helped them.

DLL Student Ambassador Annie

Whilst studying I felt like I had something for myself that I loved outside of being a mum, but would ultimately allow me to provide for my family

Annie Sociology with Foundation Year BA

Annie felt quite unfulfilled with what she was doing, and wanted to start something new that could potentially lead to some sort of meaningful work. Annie returned to study BA Sociology with Foundation Year.

Orthoptics equipment

If you are passionate and considering studying for a degree, don’t doubt being a mature student at University

Alisha Orthoptics with Foundation Year BMedSci

Alisha returned to education to study BMedSci Orthoptics with Foundation Year with the Lifelong learning team after taking part in our Discover course. The foundation year course allowed Alisha to access the course that had interested her without the standard and course-specific entry qualifications.

Luke Seeley, DLL Student Ambassador

When I asked myself if I wanted to stay where I was, or do something different, I instantly knew I wanted to return to education

Luke Sociology with Foundation Year BA

Luke returned to education to study BA Sociology with Foundation Year after deciding it was time to leave his employer of nine years to become a mature student with Lifelong learning.

Evan - mature student

I got a lot of help from the University's Disability and Dyslexia Support Service

Evan Archaeology with Foundation Year BA

Evan started his degree in Archaeology with a Foundation Year following treatment for and recovery from a brain tumour. Here he shares his story of returning to education, and highlights the support he received from the University as he adapted to his new life as a mature student.

Portrait photograph of student ambassador Narnie Furlong

The best decision I've ever made

Georgiana Furlong Applied Social Sciences BA

Georgiana talks about why she enjoyed university life and the friendly, supportive culture of the school.

DLL Sarah student profile photo

My children are all grown up now so I felt like now is the right time

Sarah Health and Human Sciences BMedSci

Sarah is studying for a degree in Health and Human Sciences with Foundation Year to enable her to follow her dream of a career in healthcare.

DLL student profile Ben

Don't be intimidated by the University's reputation

Ben Environmental Science with Foundation Year BSc

Ben shares his experience of coming to University as a mature student to follow his dream of studying for a degree in Environmental Science with Foundation Year.

DLL Maureen student profile photo

Make the most of every new experience

Maureen Health and Human Sciences BMedSci

Maureen shares her story of attending higher education later in life and her top tips for coping with life as a mature student while still supporting a family.

Emma's story student profile picture

I decided to finally pursue my dream of coming to university

Emma History with a Foundation Year BA

Emma shares her experiences of receiving and working with a Dyslexia diagnosis while studying as a mature student at the University of Sheffield.

A world-class university – a unique student experience

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.