Bristol mature students and parents - advice please.

**Big Jen** · 11-06-2007, 12:26 AM

Hi,
Hope this isn't too similar to other threads but just wondered if any mature students who are also parents at Bristol could tell me how they're finding it.

Thinking of applying for 5 year course to Bristol in 2008 - when youngest child in reception (3 kids - will be 9, 7 and 4 1/2) Can't move cos husband has pharmacy here. He's very supportive - wants me to get on and apply so don't keep on about how much I wish I'd done medicine...!rolleyes:

I know chances reduced as only applying to one Uni but in case i did get in, how is anyone actually finding juggling home/life? Can you ever slope off in Years 1/2 to pick up kids from school/drop them off before lectures.
Also how isolating is it - assuming matures/parents work fairly hard 9-5 to spend time at home, does it mean you've lost all your old friends but get no time to make new ones?!

reread this and sounds bit negative/uncommmitted! I'm not either but trying to think about all problems before I apply.
Cheers

**cakelover** · 13-06-2007, 08:39 PM

Hi would be happy to chat to you over the phone if you wish. I'm in year 3 of 6 and have two kids. There are several parents in our year. Many matures applied only to Bristol. If you'd like to chat, PM your number to me. We've got lots of parents from lots of different backgrounds.

All the best!

**Big Jen** · 14-06-2007, 12:18 AM

HI Clare,
It's a relief to know that there must be loads of us out there having major angst over whether or not we can do this with kids! I do feel really selfish but on the positive side I have lots of friends who work full time and their families are no more dysfunctional than oursand I keep telling myself that I'll be a very positive role model for my kids!

Perhaps they're not really surprised that matures often only apply to one Uni.
I'm sure that the charity committee experience and healthcare experience will stand you in good stead. Bristol thankfully hasn't got the entrance exam thingy, thank God, so I'd be spared that.

My academic record is quite good but I'm getting on a bit - would be 40 by 2008 intake...
3 science A levels (a's - God it's been years since I recounted A level grades!)
Ist in Optometry 1990
Phd from Bristol in 2000
And I'm working in Bristol Eye Hospital doing glaucoma/diabetic shared care - I only do 3 sessions a week though - so full time will be massive shock to whole family.
It's all going round in my head nonstop - and Abi made it look so easy on ER.....
Good luck
Jen

**Big Jen** · 14-06-2007, 08:50 PM

Clare -God that middle paragraph is soo how I feel! And I got a sympathy PhD too - had my viva a month before my second baby, and boy was I big. And I'd started the PhD years before my first child, so not nearly so impressive as it first sounded!
Dunno. Think I'll go for it and if it all goes tits up and kids on crack cocaine by ages of 11, I'll pull out!
Jen

**dotvicky** · 23-07-2008, 02:44 PM

Jen - you posted this a long time ago but I'm also a Bristol mum considering only applying for the Bristol course. How did it go? Did you get in?

Cheers
Vicky

**dotvicky** · 23-07-2008, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by cakelover

Hi would be happy to chat to you over the phone if you wish. I'm in year 3 of 6 and have two kids. There are several parents in our year. Many matures applied only to Bristol. If you'd like to chat, PM your number to me. We've got lots of parents from lots of different backgrounds.

All the best!

Hiya,

Are you still around, cakelover? I'm a Bristol mum looking at applying to Bristol for 2009 or 2010.

It'd be great to PM/message/phone chat with you if you'd be up for it?

Cheers
Vicky