Since our first “Chromaleon” blog post coincided with this festive season, we decided to embrace the holiday spirit by reimagining “A Christmas Carol” through the lens of our university experience, offering advice inspired by the past, present, and future! Here is the first blog post of the Chromaleon series, “Students’ Carol: Past – A Leap into the Unknown,” written by me. Stay tuned, as over the next two weeks, my colleagues Andreas and Fakhria will share their perspectives on the present and the future! 

Making the decision to go to university at 26 wasn’t just a choice—it was a leap into the unknown. I wasn’t fresh out of school, brimming with youthful enthusiasm and unburdened by responsibilities. I was someone who had already faced the realities of adult life, moved countries, built a life in the UK after leaving Italy at 22, and was trying to carve out a better future for myself. So, how did I go from feeling stuck to stepping into a lecture hall full of 18-year-olds? Here’s my journey.

For years, the idea of starting university terrified me. My experiences in Italy left me doubting my academic abilities, and the thought of sitting in a classroom again made me feel like I’d already missed my chance. Friends here in the UK kept nudging me to give it a go, but I told myself it wasn’t for me. Age became another excuse. I’d think, I’m too old. What if I can’t keep up? Then, in August this year, I had a conversation that changed everything. A close friend of mine, also Italian and over 30, shared his positive experience of starting university later in life.

That moment sparked something in me: If he can do it, why can’t I? So, I stopped doubting and started planning. Once I’d made up my mind, I knew I had to pick the right course and university for my goals. I wanted to change careers and build a foundation for better job opportunities—something that would meet my needs for the future. Using UCAS, I compared universities, but the University of Westminster stood out. Their commitment to inclusivity and diversity really resonated with me. I took a leap and applied to just one university: Westminster. To my surprise and relief, I was accepted, and two weeks later, I was walking into my first class. 

Starting two weeks late didn’t help my nerves. On my first day, I was hit with a mix of excitement and fear. Everyone around me looked so young and carefree. Many were living at home, focusing solely on their studies, while I was juggling rent, bills, and a job. It felt like we were living in completely different worlds. For the first week, I kept to myself. I convinced myself that I wouldn’t have anything in common with my classmates. I let my fears build walls between me and everyone else. I thought, How can I relate to someone who has just finished high school when I’ve been working and navigating adult life for years? 

But here’s the thing: I was wrong. As I got to know my classmates, I realised that despite our different ages and circumstances, we shared similar fears. University is a huge, life-changing step for everyone, whether you’re 18 or 26. Over time, I found common ground with my peers, and those initial feelings of isolation began to fade. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s not to let fear or self-doubt hold you back.

Yes, starting university later in life is daunting. Yes, you’ll feel out of place at first. But those fears are often more about what’s in your head than what’s out in the world. If you’re considering going back to university but feel hesitant, my advice is simple: don’t overthink it. You’re not too old, and you’re not alone.

Everyone feels scared for their own reasons, but taking the leap is worth it. University isn’t just about academics—it’s about growth, connections, and building a better future for yourself. If I can do it, so can you. 

By Giulia Scarpelli

1st Year Undergraduate Student

Univesity of Westminster Business School