You will need to be realistic about the amount of time each week your learning will take. Depending on the type of learning you choose, you may have to allow time for background work, such as reading or course work, as well as the actual class time.

Think through how you will fit learning in to your lifestyle:

• Will you do a little often or do you concentrate better in larger blocks of time?
• How will this effect your other commitments? 
• How can you prepare friends and family for this and gain their support?

If it is a long time since you were last involved in learning you may find it helpful to brush up on your reading, writing or maths skills first.  You may also want to consider your study skills, so that you are confident about reading for information rather than pleasure, taking notes and writing essays.  The organisation providing your learning may help you with study skills or you could use the find a course section of this website.

You may also be wondering how you will manage financially and whether there is any financial support available to you.

What next?

You can continue exploring this website, or you may like to contact one of EGSA's advisers. Guidance can be especially helpful in these circumstances.