Long and interesting route to university

Age: 26

College or University:
University of Bangor, Wales currently studying Biomolecular Sciences (previously studied Business Administration and Environmental Management at Keele University). I still don't know what my future is possibly a PhD/Research first, then maybe teaching.

Applying to university:
I applied to do Psychology at Southampton, but my Psychology A-level result wasn't good enough. I went to Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, London to do Biology. I dropped out after a semester and spent the rest of the year at home, working to earn money. The following year, I started at Keele doing Business Administration and Environmental Management. Towards the end of my final year I applied to do an MSc at Aberystwyth, but they wanted me to do it over two years, so I decided instead to do a two year Biology Degree. On graduating I got pregnant, so I applied to begin the following year as a first year. I originally started at Bangor doing Biology, but at the end of the first year I switched to Biomolecular Sciences.

Experiences:
Lots of work, little money, lots of fun and great friends. Now I have little time for a social life due to having a two and a half year old child, but during my previous degree I did have time to socialise.

Best of times:
Getting good exam results - it makes all the work worthwhile. It also proves that it is possible to do a degree and bring up a child. It silences everyone who thought I was completely barmy to do a second degree.

Worst of times:
Essay and practical deadlines coming out of my ears while trying to nurse a sick child who has kept me up most of the night. Lectures and practicals being scheduled at times that are completely incompatible with crèche so I can't attend!

Advice:
It’s been worth it, although it has taken a long time, I have had fun along the way. Second time around it is a lot easier to get down to work, as you know what it is all about. If you aren't totally certain about going to university straight after A levels - DON'T! Take a year out, do something useful that will improve your CV, and talk to as many people as possible to get as much information as you can.