September 15, 2025 • 29 mins
In our first episode of this brand new series, PGR Kate Werran will be talking to Exeter alumna Dr Pankhuri Singh about their experiences of returning to university as a mature student- the highs, the challenges and insights into the unique perspectives that mature students bring.
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(00:31):
Hello and a very warm welcome to Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast.
My name is Kate Werran and I'm your host for today's episode, Returning to University (00:36):
Perspectives from Mature Students.
Would you be surprised to know that there are more than 900 students between the ages of 30 and 80 plus here at Exeter?
Roughly a third between 30 and 40, nearly half 40 and 60, and the rest are from 60 to 80 plus.
(01:01):
So full confession, I'm one of the middlers.
I graduated more than three decades ago with a BA Hons in History, served a local newspaper apprenticeship, and moved from print to making history documentaries for TV.
After children, I started researching stories I thought would be good for TV.
which eventually brought me back here as a PhD by publication student in history.
(01:24):
Now, that's quite enough about me.
I'm delighted to introduce today as my guest, Pankhuri Singh, who is now, and correct me if I'm wrong, officially and very recently a doctor.
Am I right?
Yes, you're right.
And hello, Kate.
Thank you for inviting me for this wonderful podcast.
I'm delighted to be here.
(01:47):
It's lovely to have you here, Dr.
Singh.
So thank you so much.
So you came back into academia after a bit of a break, didn't you?
Can you tell me just what did you do straight after your initial space at university?
Right.
So after I did my graduation, I went on to do my post-graduation, my master's degree.
(02:09):
And right after my master's degree was completed, I went and did some journalism.
So of course, I was working as the assistant content editor for a newspaper in India.
The name is Times of India.
And I was working for them.
And it was going all lovely.
(02:31):
And I was enjoying my work until, of course, COVID hit.
And that was when I had to write or oversee content that had a lot of things that was taking a toll on my mental health.
So it was basically that people were dying and there was, of course, this ongoing pandemic and how government agencies, even though they were trying their best,
(02:55):
they were somehow feeling.
And it was something that didn't really excite me.
And I thought that if I continue on this job, I wouldn't really benefit from it.
And that was when I decided on coming back to academia.
Of course, films and Shakespeare was something that I was always interested in.
(03:16):
And that was what made me come to Exeter and resume my studies.
That's fantastic.
I mean, as a journalist, a trained journalist, I share with you, COVID was the one time I actually stopped.
I turned off the news.
I can't watch it anymore.
(03:36):
So you were making the news.
I was like, oh, I can't watch it.
What a brilliant decision.
What a brilliant outcome to come for you personally from such a horrific time.
So tell me briefly, what was your thesis about Shakespeare and TV, film?
Yes, you're right there.
So basically, my research, or my research was, now it's supposed to be, I'm still trying to make sense because I am now passed and I can't say my research is, but rather was.
(04:05):
Yeah, so my research was actually how Shakespeare is reimagined in the Indian cinematic settings.
So I was looking at one filmmaker in particular,
And he made a trilogy of the Shakespearean tragedies of Macbeth, Othello, and Hamlet.
And of course, how do these Shakespearean texts that were set in the Elizabethan times around 400 to 450 years ago, how did they become a contemporary Indian story?
(04:37):
That's how I kind of like-- that's what I analyze and make sense.
That's brilliant.
So I wonder if we can take you back to my intro and I told you about how many mature students there are at Exeter.
I'd love your response to that.
For me, I was quite surprised there were so many and I was incredibly reassured.
(05:00):
I was convinced I was the oldest person ever to go to Exeter University.
So I just thought it was wonderful news.
I wondered what was your response to those figures?
I think I wouldn't say I was surprised because in my time at the university, I've actually come across quite a few of mature students.
(05:20):
And like you mentioned, they are from all age brackets.
So I mean, if I can share a small anecdote with you, and that is I am
a part of the Mature Student Society at Exeter.
It's a wonderful place to make friends.
And when I was there, I actually came across a 21-year-old who was a part of the Mature Student Society.
(05:44):
And you might be wondering, okay, wait, take a step back.
A 21-year-old can't be a part of the Mature Student Society.
So, well, technically, a mature student is anybody who kind of like takes a break from their studies
and then re-entered the university.
So that student had taken the break when the lockdown was happening.
(06:07):
And then he returned for, of course, the undergraduate studies.
And that made him a mature student.
So I've come across a 21-year-old.
And of course, there was a friend of mine who recently passed away, Dr.
Ghee.
Bowman.
He was
He was a lovely person.
(06:28):
And of course, he is on the other side of the ladder.
So it's a spectrum.
You kind of like come across a lot of different people, a lot of different experiences.
And that's the beauty of how you meet different people and you make different friends at university.
(06:49):
That's brilliant, that's brilliant.
Now tell me, let's just get this out in the open 'cause you and I talked about this before.
What does the term, the label mature mean to you?
How did it make you feel at the time?
If I can take you back to when you started at Exeter.
So of course, I will be honest.
And as we've discussed earlier with you, Kate, the term mature kind of like gets a little derogatory when it's attached to women because I think
(07:20):
We've been saying that, you know, mature kind of like tends to be if you've passed your prime, be it in terms of beauty, be it terms of biologically, be it terms any term.
And that kind of like did have a negative impact.
Too small, I would agree, and I'm going to expand on that.
But yes, the first time I was introduced to the term and I had to bear it on me that I'm a mature student, I was like, okay.
(07:49):
But yes, I think after I was introduced to the term and I kind of like I made peace with it, that was when I realized that it's not a bad term.
It's somebody when you actually have more knowledge.
And by more knowledge, you mean more experience.
(08:10):
You have more things to say because you've done.
a lot more than just, of course, the university studies and kind of like acquiring degree after degrees, of course.
It's not as derogatory as one would think it to be, but it's rather something that comes with time, I would say.
(08:31):
Exactly.
I had one of my children, I can't remember, 34, and the doctor kept referring to me as a geriatric mother.
I thought I was just being rude, actually, but that is the term.
When I know I'm mature, I know I'm a mature student, and like you, I see the benefits, actually, as I approach my studies and my approach to do something like this.
(08:52):
I think when I was younger, I wouldn't have the guts to come and volunteer to do something like this, but I thought, why not?
I'd love to have a crack and I'd love to meet someone like you.
We've had a really positive experience doing this.
So there's so many advantages.
But that's really, really good.
Now tell me, you've been at Exeter.
How long were you at Exeter for?
And I want to know how it felt like when you came back for the first time as a student.
(09:17):
So of course, I'm an international student.
I was born and brought up in India.
And it was during the second lockdown that I came to Exeter.
And that was, I mean, I started my studies in January of 2021.
At that time, it was the second lockdown going on worldwide.
(09:37):
The university had advised I had got a university accommodation for myself.
I was.
one of the fortunate ones to get that.
So of course, the university had sent over an advisory, and they were like, if it's not really necessary, then do not come in the accommodation, because that's how a pandemic spreads.
(09:59):
And I was very thankful, because I still have my sister at Cambridge.
So of course, I was living with her at that time.
And once the COVID restrictions kind of like eased, that was when I came to Exeter.
So that was around June of 2021.
So my first experience was definitely when I came, it was of human interaction, but that's something I think that's common and that has nothing to do with the mature tag.
(10:31):
If we stick to what we're talking about today, I think I didn't experience any changes in
how people were perceiving me or I was perceiving people.
It was more of a cultural, I wouldn't say sure, but like a cultural eye-opening where I had to experience different forms of, in terms of like how students interact with their professors, how
(11:00):
how library books are issued or all of that.
Of course, the beautiful campus in itself was something that made me come day after day just to explore.
So I wouldn't say I experienced much of a change after I had done my master's to the PhD journey, but it was more of a cultural shock, at least in my experience.
(11:31):
From my experience, so I was here like years ago, the thing that really struck me was the digital revolution.
I mean, just to be able to handle or see a primary resource at the touch of a button, or 24-hour libraries.
I mean, you know, I found it extraordinarily better, you know, and much nicer experience actually coming back, much more user-friendly.
(11:54):
You mentioned before the Society for Mature Students.
Tell me how you settled in.
What would your advice be to a new mature student or someone who's about to start?
How would they settle into life here at Exeter?
I think what I did would, I mean, it's in no way the right way to do it.
(12:18):
But I mean, it definitely helped me and I can share my own experience and
Hopefully, if it benefits just one other listener, then I think our job is done.
So I would definitely suggest joining the various societies that are run by either the Students’ Guild or, of course, there are several others that are run by departments and faculties.
(12:43):
So I was a part of the Mature Student Society.
That's how I came across a lot of my friends.
Then you have a lot of events run by HASS PGR sports team.
You can be a part of that.
I can mention one at the top of my head, which is the cake and conversation, the PGR coffee cake and conversation ones.
(13:05):
You meet lovely people and of course you have the cakes and the coffees with you to make friends.
Apart from that, I think if you are
If you can, you must apply to get an office space within the campus.
So while at Streatham, I got an office space, and that was how I, of course, not just shared my research and made friends, but I think it was also very productive in terms of getting work done.
(13:37):
So of course, that is another way to enjoy your university life.
Apart from that, I think if you can spend time at the library, and that's physically, if you can join the gym, if you're into all of that, joining a sports activity, there are a lot of resources available, or there are a lot of ways in which you can meet people.
(14:04):
And I would suggest just be open and try to explore all.
Because that's how you're going to make friends.
And this is going to be a memorable time of your life.
So yes, just go for it.
That is brilliant advice.
And presumably now, what are you doing now?
Are you in limbo?
(14:25):
Are you coming back to Exeter?
What's your what's your plan?
I was wondering how those friendships you're going to keep friends, right, with the people you've made?
Excellent question, I would say.
So just earlier today, I was actually messaging my friends.
And I think while I am not physically in Exeter at the moment, the friendships that you carve while you're studying, they remain forever.
(14:51):
And I can always assure you that I'll be there for you, Kate.
So I mean, I am there for you.
So I think while I'm not in Exeter, and definitely there is this post-PhD kind of like experience where you have to, again, find yourself not just in terms of understanding what you want to do in life, but also in terms of getting food on the table.
(15:17):
So of course, finding a job for yourself or a post-doctoral fellowship, all of that does.
take a toll on yourself.
But yes, that's when friends come in and they stand by you, they help you, they support you.
And I think with technology nowadays, with technology nowadays, you can actually just interact with them over phone, over Teams and Zoom, all of that.
(15:47):
So to just make friends, they are going to stick by you till the end.
And also, they're your network, aren't they?
They're your new network from, your social network, but also your academic network, I imagine, too.
You made friends through your faculty.
And what you just said, it's the digital revolution.
(16:07):
It allows us to stay in touch.
So when I was at university, nobody, I had an American friend who had came over for a year, but she had this thing called e-mail.
And she said, I'm going to keep in touch with you.
We all do it.
And I didn't have an e-mail address.
I didn't have a PC, I don't think.
So it was really different then.
But now there is really no reason why you can't keep in touch.
And that's a really positive factor of being
(16:30):
mature student and being able to continue your sort of journey post you know your your studies.
Tell me what advantages do you think there are to being a mature student?
The advantages in my opinion would be anything that you've learned not just in terms of degree but in in terms of your lived experience also adds on to your degree
(16:56):
when you're writing your thesis, when you're interacting with people.
So of course, if I was to give my own example or something that I benefited from was since I had this journalistic background, I was able to write right away.
Like there are times when students are in a dilemma on how to start writing.
(17:19):
And that was not the issue, at least with me.
So of course, that is something that I gained only because I was a mature student.
I had taken a five-year break after my master's degree, did the journalism thing, and then came back to studies.
So of course, that was that benefit that I gained.
Apart from that.
I think I got a lot of confidence, and that is not just with me.
(17:42):
I think it's with most mature students, even the 21-year-old I mentioned.
They have a sense of aura around them, and you actually get attracted towards them.
You want to meet them.
And I think they are, as you would say, they're mature.
They're not immature.
And that's what makes them stand apart.
(18:05):
from the other students.
And I'm in no way saying that the other students are immature.
By immature, I mean that they are still in the process of growing and finding a voice of their own.
If I had left university and then
I'd found it difficult to know what to study then.
(18:26):
I came to my sort of passion through journalism, actually, and then through making history documentaries.
I thought, gosh, that is interesting.
And I learned how to structure a story and then how to find it as well.
And my journalism, again, it helped, you know, being able to door knock.
You know, I wouldn't have known how to do that without having to do that for a job or, you know, comb a telephone book to find people to talk to for some of the older veterans.
(18:53):
I interviewed.
So thinking about it, actually, there is a lot that you can bring for all life experience, even just the way you tackle things, as you say, writing.
And if you've worked outside of academia, you know, I have a job to do.
I give myself time deadlines.
like you said, I have to write, so I'm just going to start writing and it might not be very good, but I can go back and edit it, but I've got something tangible on paper.
(19:18):
So yeah, it's very interesting just thinking about what brought us back here and how that's been an advantage.
Would you, if you could do it again,
If you could do your whole university career again, would you choose the path you have or would you continue straight from your undergraduate degree?
(19:40):
What do you think and why?
I think I have been asked this very question before, but not in terms of, of course, my study, but
The question framed, at least at that time, was if you were given the ability to redo things, would you do that?
And I still stand by the answer that I'd given at that time.
(20:02):
And I think it still stands as an answer for you or your question.
And I would say no.
I do not want to start over again.
I think every bit that I have learned in my journey, be it right, be it wrong, be it if I failed at a point, if I succeeded, I think I've learned a lot from all of those experiences.
(20:27):
And to even imagine erasing a few of those, it makes me feel uncomfortable and also anxious if I would then be the same person as I am today.
So I don't think I would want to redo things in a different way.
I would rather want to continue from what I have done, at least up until now and move forward.
(20:51):
I would not want to revisit and redo things in a different way.
So no.
That's a great answer.
And what are you, what are you looking for now?
What's your immediate plans having succeeded
and achieved and completed.
What are you looking to do now?
So my current plans are definitely getting a postdoctoral position.
(21:16):
And you'd be surprised to know that it's actually not as easy.
And you don't really get an academic job right after your PhD programme.
I mean, there are a few successful people, and of course,
They are humans.
(21:36):
It's not like they're Martians or anybody.
But the way academia works is that you have to publish a lot of your research before you actually bag an academic role, a permanent academic role for that matter.
And the stepping stone for it is getting a postdoctoral fellowship, which kind of helps you build your portfolio.
(22:00):
of publications which makes you or prepares you for the academic role that you wish to have in future.
So of course, I want to stick in academia, be probably like my supervisors, the amazing supervisors that I had at Exeter.
And to do that, I have to get a fellowship, a postdoctoral one, and then hopefully I'll be a lecturer in the near future.
(22:29):
And is that something that there's at the university that can help you with that?
Have you found, you know, having your friendship group and the institutions and the organizations you were a member of when you were here, has that helped you?
Is that helping you right now in your bid to secure a position?
So just like the PGR community, we do have an ECR community, which is the Early Career Researchers Community, and they help you as a network.
(23:00):
Though, of course, there are no fellowships, the interim fellowships, if that's your question, there are no interim fellowships at the moment at Exeter.
But of course, there is this wonderful network that you can actually exchange your thoughts with, your research with, and probably in the future, you can also build collaborative networks with.
(23:25):
So, yes, that is something that Exeter has.
at the back of in terms of support.
That's fantastic.
So there's a real progression and each time it sounds that it's very supported and it's I mean I've got to say my experience is different to yours.
I am a remote student.
(23:46):
I come in, I've come in to use the amazing library and to pick up books I've ordered.
I came in to an event at the university and I was just blown away by how
friendly and nice and inclusive.
Everyone was.
It was a very nice vibe, you know, so I really liked that.
My big question was I was talking to a girl who was a PGR and I was saying, you know, what do you spend your time doing at Exeter?
(24:13):
This is my question for you.
You know, when you're sort of having fun and she just loved the fact you know she came over here.
She took her driving test, learned how to drive and she buzzes off to the seaside every weekend and has been having an amazing summer.
What would you
What would you recommend physically to do in Exeter?
We've got all the lovely societies, you know, just as we're closing up.
(24:34):
What would you recommend someone who's come to Exeter for the first time?
How would they have fun?
What would you recommend your top three things to do?
The top three things would definitely be going and seeing the Exeter Cathedral.
Definitely a to do thing for a first year or a new student.
(24:56):
Going by the Quayside, having a warm day, you have the lovely swans.
And you can, if you're lucky, you can actually see the black swans, which is a rare sight.
And would you believe I actually saw them?
Along with that, I think the city centre is another place that you could go to.
(25:17):
But if not, then definitely explore both our campuses in Exeter itself.
The Streatham campus, it's more new,
newly built, newly built in terms of you have more modern buildings, whereas the St.
Luke’s campus is more Oxford style.
And you can actually just enjoy yourself when you're walking down those green paths.
(25:43):
So my top three things to see in Exeter would, apart from the RAMM Museum, the city centre and all of the other.
iconic places would be the Exeter Cathedral, the Quayside and our campuses, St Luke's and Streatham.
And then I would just add beaches as well because they're just, it's incredible, isn't it?
(26:06):
I mean, that's what all these, everyone was looking so well and so like they've been enjoying the sun.
I was like, what all, you know, the healthiest campus I ever visited.
It looked lovely.
What is the one thing, so we should talk about this now, what is the one thing you hope that PGRs,
listening to us talk today about our perspective as mature students.
(26:27):
What would you want them to take away from this episode?
The one thing that I would want them to take away is, firstly, to be themselves.
Like, own yourself.
Don't be shackled by any tags that you're given.
Just try to be yourself.
(26:49):
And it's like 1A and 1B because you've just asked me one point.
So the 1B would be to enjoy your time because.
This is your journey and getting a PhD degree at the end of your study, it's going to be an amazing day.
(27:10):
The day you read yourself, become, like for my case, Dr.
Singh, that's when you realize that everything that you did
was worth it.
You didn't just waste your time writing or, you know, probably crying because you couldn't find the resources for yourself or kind of like feeding in front of the librarian to get that book which you want.
(27:37):
I think all of it is worth it.
And at the end, you'll definitely remember those moments with a happy smile and
this is the degree that you've earned so enjoy the time that you are actually earning it and at the end it's a reward for you.
(27:58):
So just be happy, be yourself, own yourself and enjoy the process.
That is fantastic.
That's fantastic advice for life, actually, let alone being a mature student.
But it's true.
And I would just, you know, as I've taken everything, every opportunity I have while I'm here, I just think I feel very supported here.
(28:21):
I don't know about you.
I feel supported.
I feel there are people to ask.
It's just been a it's been a fabulous
experience.
I don't know whether people are going to be listening who are thinking about doing their postgraduate studies here, but I just would wholeheartedly recommend it.
It's literally the best thing I've done since, you know, my first degree, but I've enjoyed it more.
(28:44):
I've got more out of it just because I'm a different, as you say, you know, I'm more confident.
I know what I'm interested in and
I've always been interested in people, but frankly, there are a lot of interesting, mature students here, right?
And that's also makes it a richer and really enhanced experience.
So Pankhuri, thank you so much for joining me today.
(29:05):
It is a delight always to talk to you.
I very much hope that we can stay in touch.
If there are any questions that people have for Pankhuri, I'm sure they can do that through the team, and that's it.
from me, Kate Werran, and Dr.
Pankhuri Singh.
This episode of Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast was written and presented by me, Kate Werran.
(29:29):
It was produced by Kelyn Luther for the Researcher Development and Research Culture Team at the University of Exeter.
Hello and a very warm welcome to Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast.
My name is Kate Werran and I'm your host for today's episode, Returning to University (00:36):
Perspectives from Mature Students.
Would you be surprised to know that there are more than 900 students between the ages of 30 and 80 plus here at Exeter?
Roughly a third between 30 and 40, nearly half 40 and 60, and the rest are from 60 to 80 plus.
(01:01):
So full confession, I'm one of the middlers.
I graduated more than three decades ago with a BA Hons in History, served a local newspaper apprenticeship, and moved from print to making history documentaries for TV.
After children, I started researching stories I thought would be good for TV.
which eventually brought me back here as a PhD by publication student in history.
(01:24):
Now, that's quite enough about me.
I'm delighted to introduce today as my guest, Pankhuri Singh, who is now, and correct me if I'm wrong, officially and very recently a doctor.
Am I right?
Yes, you're right.
And hello, Kate.
Thank you for inviting me for this wonderful podcast.
I'm delighted to be here.
(01:47):
It's lovely to have you here, Dr.
Singh.
So thank you so much.
So you came back into academia after a bit of a break, didn't you?
Can you tell me just what did you do straight after your initial space at university?
Right.
So after I did my graduation, I went on to do my post-graduation, my master's degree.
(02:09):
And right after my master's degree was completed, I went and did some journalism.
So of course, I was working as the assistant content editor for a newspaper in India.
The name is Times of India.
And I was working for them.
And it was going all lovely.
(02:31):
And I was enjoying my work until, of course, COVID hit.
And that was when I had to write or oversee content that had a lot of things that was taking a toll on my mental health.
So it was basically that people were dying and there was, of course, this ongoing pandemic and how government agencies, even though they were trying their best,
(02:55):
they were somehow feeling.
And it was something that didn't really excite me.
And I thought that if I continue on this job, I wouldn't really benefit from it.
And that was when I decided on coming back to academia.
Of course, films and Shakespeare was something that I was always interested in.
(03:16):
And that was what made me come to Exeter and resume my studies.
That's fantastic.
I mean, as a journalist, a trained journalist, I share with you, COVID was the one time I actually stopped.
I turned off the news.
I can't watch it anymore.
(03:36):
So you were making the news.
I was like, oh, I can't watch it.
What a brilliant decision.
What a brilliant outcome to come for you personally from such a horrific time.
So tell me briefly, what was your thesis about Shakespeare and TV, film?
Yes, you're right there.
So basically, my research, or my research was, now it's supposed to be, I'm still trying to make sense because I am now passed and I can't say my research is, but rather was.
(04:05):
Yeah, so my research was actually how Shakespeare is reimagined in the Indian cinematic settings.
So I was looking at one filmmaker in particular,
And he made a trilogy of the Shakespearean tragedies of Macbeth, Othello, and Hamlet.
And of course, how do these Shakespearean texts that were set in the Elizabethan times around 400 to 450 years ago, how did they become a contemporary Indian story?
(04:37):
That's how I kind of like-- that's what I analyze and make sense.
That's brilliant.
So I wonder if we can take you back to my intro and I told you about how many mature students there are at Exeter.
I'd love your response to that.
For me, I was quite surprised there were so many and I was incredibly reassured.
(05:00):
I was convinced I was the oldest person ever to go to Exeter University.
So I just thought it was wonderful news.
I wondered what was your response to those figures?
I think I wouldn't say I was surprised because in my time at the university, I've actually come across quite a few of mature students.
(05:20):
And like you mentioned, they are from all age brackets.
So I mean, if I can share a small anecdote with you, and that is I am
a part of the Mature Student Society at Exeter.
It's a wonderful place to make friends.
And when I was there, I actually came across a 21-year-old who was a part of the Mature Student Society.
(05:44):
And you might be wondering, okay, wait, take a step back.
A 21-year-old can't be a part of the Mature Student Society.
So, well, technically, a mature student is anybody who kind of like takes a break from their studies
and then re-entered the university.
So that student had taken the break when the lockdown was happening.
(06:07):
And then he returned for, of course, the undergraduate studies.
And that made him a mature student.
So I've come across a 21-year-old.
And of course, there was a friend of mine who recently passed away, Dr.
Ghee.
Bowman.
He was
He was a lovely person.
(06:28):
And of course, he is on the other side of the ladder.
So it's a spectrum.
You kind of like come across a lot of different people, a lot of different experiences.
And that's the beauty of how you meet different people and you make different friends at university.
(06:49):
That's brilliant, that's brilliant.
Now tell me, let's just get this out in the open 'cause you and I talked about this before.
What does the term, the label mature mean to you?
How did it make you feel at the time?
If I can take you back to when you started at Exeter.
So of course, I will be honest.
And as we've discussed earlier with you, Kate, the term mature kind of like gets a little derogatory when it's attached to women because I think
(07:20):
We've been saying that, you know, mature kind of like tends to be if you've passed your prime, be it in terms of beauty, be it terms of biologically, be it terms any term.
And that kind of like did have a negative impact.
Too small, I would agree, and I'm going to expand on that.
But yes, the first time I was introduced to the term and I had to bear it on me that I'm a mature student, I was like, okay.
(07:49):
But yes, I think after I was introduced to the term and I kind of like I made peace with it, that was when I realized that it's not a bad term.
It's somebody when you actually have more knowledge.
And by more knowledge, you mean more experience.
(08:10):
You have more things to say because you've done.
a lot more than just, of course, the university studies and kind of like acquiring degree after degrees, of course.
It's not as derogatory as one would think it to be, but it's rather something that comes with time, I would say.
(08:31):
Exactly.
I had one of my children, I can't remember, 34, and the doctor kept referring to me as a geriatric mother.
I thought I was just being rude, actually, but that is the term.
When I know I'm mature, I know I'm a mature student, and like you, I see the benefits, actually, as I approach my studies and my approach to do something like this.
(08:52):
I think when I was younger, I wouldn't have the guts to come and volunteer to do something like this, but I thought, why not?
I'd love to have a crack and I'd love to meet someone like you.
We've had a really positive experience doing this.
So there's so many advantages.
But that's really, really good.
Now tell me, you've been at Exeter.
How long were you at Exeter for?
And I want to know how it felt like when you came back for the first time as a student.
(09:17):
So of course, I'm an international student.
I was born and brought up in India.
And it was during the second lockdown that I came to Exeter.
And that was, I mean, I started my studies in January of 2021.
At that time, it was the second lockdown going on worldwide.
(09:37):
The university had advised I had got a university accommodation for myself.
I was.
one of the fortunate ones to get that.
So of course, the university had sent over an advisory, and they were like, if it's not really necessary, then do not come in the accommodation, because that's how a pandemic spreads.
(09:59):
And I was very thankful, because I still have my sister at Cambridge.
So of course, I was living with her at that time.
And once the COVID restrictions kind of like eased, that was when I came to Exeter.
So that was around June of 2021.
So my first experience was definitely when I came, it was of human interaction, but that's something I think that's common and that has nothing to do with the mature tag.
(10:31):
If we stick to what we're talking about today, I think I didn't experience any changes in
how people were perceiving me or I was perceiving people.
It was more of a cultural, I wouldn't say sure, but like a cultural eye-opening where I had to experience different forms of, in terms of like how students interact with their professors, how
(11:00):
how library books are issued or all of that.
Of course, the beautiful campus in itself was something that made me come day after day just to explore.
So I wouldn't say I experienced much of a change after I had done my master's to the PhD journey, but it was more of a cultural shock, at least in my experience.
(11:31):
From my experience, so I was here like years ago, the thing that really struck me was the digital revolution.
I mean, just to be able to handle or see a primary resource at the touch of a button, or 24-hour libraries.
I mean, you know, I found it extraordinarily better, you know, and much nicer experience actually coming back, much more user-friendly.
(11:54):
You mentioned before the Society for Mature Students.
Tell me how you settled in.
What would your advice be to a new mature student or someone who's about to start?
How would they settle into life here at Exeter?
I think what I did would, I mean, it's in no way the right way to do it.
(12:18):
But I mean, it definitely helped me and I can share my own experience and
Hopefully, if it benefits just one other listener, then I think our job is done.
So I would definitely suggest joining the various societies that are run by either the Students’ Guild or, of course, there are several others that are run by departments and faculties.
(12:43):
So I was a part of the Mature Student Society.
That's how I came across a lot of my friends.
Then you have a lot of events run by HASS PGR sports team.
You can be a part of that.
I can mention one at the top of my head, which is the cake and conversation, the PGR coffee cake and conversation ones.
(13:05):
You meet lovely people and of course you have the cakes and the coffees with you to make friends.
Apart from that, I think if you are
If you can, you must apply to get an office space within the campus.
So while at Streatham, I got an office space, and that was how I, of course, not just shared my research and made friends, but I think it was also very productive in terms of getting work done.
(13:37):
So of course, that is another way to enjoy your university life.
Apart from that, I think if you can spend time at the library, and that's physically, if you can join the gym, if you're into all of that, joining a sports activity, there are a lot of resources available, or there are a lot of ways in which you can meet people.
(14:04):
And I would suggest just be open and try to explore all.
Because that's how you're going to make friends.
And this is going to be a memorable time of your life.
So yes, just go for it.
That is brilliant advice.
And presumably now, what are you doing now?
Are you in limbo?
(14:25):
Are you coming back to Exeter?
What's your what's your plan?
I was wondering how those friendships you're going to keep friends, right, with the people you've made?
Excellent question, I would say.
So just earlier today, I was actually messaging my friends.
And I think while I am not physically in Exeter at the moment, the friendships that you carve while you're studying, they remain forever.
(14:51):
And I can always assure you that I'll be there for you, Kate.
So I mean, I am there for you.
So I think while I'm not in Exeter, and definitely there is this post-PhD kind of like experience where you have to, again, find yourself not just in terms of understanding what you want to do in life, but also in terms of getting food on the table.
(15:17):
So of course, finding a job for yourself or a post-doctoral fellowship, all of that does.
take a toll on yourself.
But yes, that's when friends come in and they stand by you, they help you, they support you.
And I think with technology nowadays, with technology nowadays, you can actually just interact with them over phone, over Teams and Zoom, all of that.
(15:47):
So to just make friends, they are going to stick by you till the end.
And also, they're your network, aren't they?
They're your new network from, your social network, but also your academic network, I imagine, too.
You made friends through your faculty.
And what you just said, it's the digital revolution.
(16:07):
It allows us to stay in touch.
So when I was at university, nobody, I had an American friend who had came over for a year, but she had this thing called e-mail.
And she said, I'm going to keep in touch with you.
We all do it.
And I didn't have an e-mail address.
I didn't have a PC, I don't think.
So it was really different then.
But now there is really no reason why you can't keep in touch.
And that's a really positive factor of being
(16:30):
mature student and being able to continue your sort of journey post you know your your studies.
Tell me what advantages do you think there are to being a mature student?
The advantages in my opinion would be anything that you've learned not just in terms of degree but in in terms of your lived experience also adds on to your degree
(16:56):
when you're writing your thesis, when you're interacting with people.
So of course, if I was to give my own example or something that I benefited from was since I had this journalistic background, I was able to write right away.
Like there are times when students are in a dilemma on how to start writing.
(17:19):
And that was not the issue, at least with me.
So of course, that is something that I gained only because I was a mature student.
I had taken a five-year break after my master's degree, did the journalism thing, and then came back to studies.
So of course, that was that benefit that I gained.
Apart from that.
I think I got a lot of confidence, and that is not just with me.
(17:42):
I think it's with most mature students, even the 21-year-old I mentioned.
They have a sense of aura around them, and you actually get attracted towards them.
You want to meet them.
And I think they are, as you would say, they're mature.
They're not immature.
And that's what makes them stand apart.
(18:05):
from the other students.
And I'm in no way saying that the other students are immature.
By immature, I mean that they are still in the process of growing and finding a voice of their own.
If I had left university and then
I'd found it difficult to know what to study then.
(18:26):
I came to my sort of passion through journalism, actually, and then through making history documentaries.
I thought, gosh, that is interesting.
And I learned how to structure a story and then how to find it as well.
And my journalism, again, it helped, you know, being able to door knock.
You know, I wouldn't have known how to do that without having to do that for a job or, you know, comb a telephone book to find people to talk to for some of the older veterans.
(18:53):
I interviewed.
So thinking about it, actually, there is a lot that you can bring for all life experience, even just the way you tackle things, as you say, writing.
And if you've worked outside of academia, you know, I have a job to do.
I give myself time deadlines.
like you said, I have to write, so I'm just going to start writing and it might not be very good, but I can go back and edit it, but I've got something tangible on paper.
(19:18):
So yeah, it's very interesting just thinking about what brought us back here and how that's been an advantage.
Would you, if you could do it again,
If you could do your whole university career again, would you choose the path you have or would you continue straight from your undergraduate degree?
(19:40):
What do you think and why?
I think I have been asked this very question before, but not in terms of, of course, my study, but
The question framed, at least at that time, was if you were given the ability to redo things, would you do that?
And I still stand by the answer that I'd given at that time.
(20:02):
And I think it still stands as an answer for you or your question.
And I would say no.
I do not want to start over again.
I think every bit that I have learned in my journey, be it right, be it wrong, be it if I failed at a point, if I succeeded, I think I've learned a lot from all of those experiences.
(20:27):
And to even imagine erasing a few of those, it makes me feel uncomfortable and also anxious if I would then be the same person as I am today.
So I don't think I would want to redo things in a different way.
I would rather want to continue from what I have done, at least up until now and move forward.
(20:51):
I would not want to revisit and redo things in a different way.
So no.
That's a great answer.
And what are you, what are you looking for now?
What's your immediate plans having succeeded
and achieved and completed.
What are you looking to do now?
So my current plans are definitely getting a postdoctoral position.
(21:16):
And you'd be surprised to know that it's actually not as easy.
And you don't really get an academic job right after your PhD programme.
I mean, there are a few successful people, and of course,
They are humans.
(21:36):
It's not like they're Martians or anybody.
But the way academia works is that you have to publish a lot of your research before you actually bag an academic role, a permanent academic role for that matter.
And the stepping stone for it is getting a postdoctoral fellowship, which kind of helps you build your portfolio.
(22:00):
of publications which makes you or prepares you for the academic role that you wish to have in future.
So of course, I want to stick in academia, be probably like my supervisors, the amazing supervisors that I had at Exeter.
And to do that, I have to get a fellowship, a postdoctoral one, and then hopefully I'll be a lecturer in the near future.
(22:29):
And is that something that there's at the university that can help you with that?
Have you found, you know, having your friendship group and the institutions and the organizations you were a member of when you were here, has that helped you?
Is that helping you right now in your bid to secure a position?
So just like the PGR community, we do have an ECR community, which is the Early Career Researchers Community, and they help you as a network.
(23:00):
Though, of course, there are no fellowships, the interim fellowships, if that's your question, there are no interim fellowships at the moment at Exeter.
But of course, there is this wonderful network that you can actually exchange your thoughts with, your research with, and probably in the future, you can also build collaborative networks with.
(23:25):
So, yes, that is something that Exeter has.
at the back of in terms of support.
That's fantastic.
So there's a real progression and each time it sounds that it's very supported and it's I mean I've got to say my experience is different to yours.
I am a remote student.
(23:46):
I come in, I've come in to use the amazing library and to pick up books I've ordered.
I came in to an event at the university and I was just blown away by how
friendly and nice and inclusive.
Everyone was.
It was a very nice vibe, you know, so I really liked that.
My big question was I was talking to a girl who was a PGR and I was saying, you know, what do you spend your time doing at Exeter?
(24:13):
This is my question for you.
You know, when you're sort of having fun and she just loved the fact you know she came over here.
She took her driving test, learned how to drive and she buzzes off to the seaside every weekend and has been having an amazing summer.
What would you
What would you recommend physically to do in Exeter?
We've got all the lovely societies, you know, just as we're closing up.
(24:34):
What would you recommend someone who's come to Exeter for the first time?
How would they have fun?
What would you recommend your top three things to do?
The top three things would definitely be going and seeing the Exeter Cathedral.
Definitely a to do thing for a first year or a new student.
(24:56):
Going by the Quayside, having a warm day, you have the lovely swans.
And you can, if you're lucky, you can actually see the black swans, which is a rare sight.
And would you believe I actually saw them?
Along with that, I think the city centre is another place that you could go to.
(25:17):
But if not, then definitely explore both our campuses in Exeter itself.
The Streatham campus, it's more new,
newly built, newly built in terms of you have more modern buildings, whereas the St.
Luke’s campus is more Oxford style.
And you can actually just enjoy yourself when you're walking down those green paths.
(25:43):
So my top three things to see in Exeter would, apart from the RAMM Museum, the city centre and all of the other.
iconic places would be the Exeter Cathedral, the Quayside and our campuses, St Luke's and Streatham.
And then I would just add beaches as well because they're just, it's incredible, isn't it?
(26:06):
I mean, that's what all these, everyone was looking so well and so like they've been enjoying the sun.
I was like, what all, you know, the healthiest campus I ever visited.
It looked lovely.
What is the one thing, so we should talk about this now, what is the one thing you hope that PGRs,
listening to us talk today about our perspective as mature students.
(26:27):
What would you want them to take away from this episode?
The one thing that I would want them to take away is, firstly, to be themselves.
Like, own yourself.
Don't be shackled by any tags that you're given.
Just try to be yourself.
(26:49):
And it's like 1A and 1B because you've just asked me one point.
So the 1B would be to enjoy your time because.
This is your journey and getting a PhD degree at the end of your study, it's going to be an amazing day.
(27:10):
The day you read yourself, become, like for my case, Dr.
Singh, that's when you realize that everything that you did
was worth it.
You didn't just waste your time writing or, you know, probably crying because you couldn't find the resources for yourself or kind of like feeding in front of the librarian to get that book which you want.
(27:37):
I think all of it is worth it.
And at the end, you'll definitely remember those moments with a happy smile and
this is the degree that you've earned so enjoy the time that you are actually earning it and at the end it's a reward for you.
(27:58):
So just be happy, be yourself, own yourself and enjoy the process.
That is fantastic.
That's fantastic advice for life, actually, let alone being a mature student.
But it's true.
And I would just, you know, as I've taken everything, every opportunity I have while I'm here, I just think I feel very supported here.
(28:21):
I don't know about you.
I feel supported.
I feel there are people to ask.
It's just been a it's been a fabulous
experience.
I don't know whether people are going to be listening who are thinking about doing their postgraduate studies here, but I just would wholeheartedly recommend it.
It's literally the best thing I've done since, you know, my first degree, but I've enjoyed it more.
(28:44):
I've got more out of it just because I'm a different, as you say, you know, I'm more confident.
I know what I'm interested in and
I've always been interested in people, but frankly, there are a lot of interesting, mature students here, right?
And that's also makes it a richer and really enhanced experience.
So Pankhuri, thank you so much for joining me today.
(29:05):
It is a delight always to talk to you.
I very much hope that we can stay in touch.
If there are any questions that people have for Pankhuri, I'm sure they can do that through the team, and that's it.
from me, Kate Werran, and Dr.
Pankhuri Singh.
This episode of Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast was written and presented by me, Kate Werran.
(29:29):
It was produced by Kelyn Luther for the Researcher Development and Research Culture Team at the University of Exeter.
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