Stepping back into learning can feel daunting — you might worry that you don’t have the time, or that it’s somehow “too late” to acquire a new skill. These feelings are relatable, but why let them stop you from starting a new learning adventure?
A college course opens up fresh horizons, sometimes taking you in unexpected directions. It’s a chance to embrace curiosity, creativity and connection in a supportive atmosphere. Plus, let’s not forget that it’s a lot of fun.
So whether you want to rediscover a passion, create space for yourself, or reconnect with your wellbeing, there’s no better moment than now to begin.
Benefits of learning as an adult
Lifelong learning benefits your life in both big and small ways. Studying a new subject or developing a new skill can boost your brainpower, enhance your confidence and create a more vibrant social life. It’s also a great avenue for upgrading your career or even changing it altogether.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at why learning is important for adults.
Video: Rediscover Your Passion at City Lit, hear from our students
1. Boost your brain with learning
Studies by both Scientific American and Northwestern University have found that continued learning can help keep your brain sharp. That’s because your brain is like a muscle. Tthe more you challenge it, the more powerful it becomes.
In essence, learning reshapes your brain by strengthening neural connections, making it more flexible and resilient.
Acquiring a new skill like coding or music gives you an essential mental workout, improving your abilities in problem-solving, memory and attention. Just like a run in the park enhances your physical fitness, lifelong learning benefits your mental fitness.
2. Enhance your wellbeing with learning
Learning and wellbeing are also closely linked, meaning that lifelong study is an investment in your mental health.
For one thing, when you’re absorbed in learning, you enter into a ‘flow state’ (otherwise known as ‘being in the zone’). This is a type of deep concentration that reduces stress and anxiety by releasing dopamine and serotonin, enhancing feelings of wellbeing. When you’re in the flow state, you are grounded in the moment, meaning that self-critical thoughts and worries about the future melt away. You can enter this state by studying a subject intensely or practising a new skill, such as playing the piano. It’s a way to escape the mental chatter and create room for self-growth.
Learning can also give you a renewed sense of purpose and direction at any age, whether your goal is to start a new career path or master the Charleston. That’s why adult learning has been shown to increase overall life satisfaction, leading to a more optimistic outlook.
3. Increase your confidence on a college course
Learning also boosts your confidence. I see this firsthand in my writing classes, as in the first couple of weeks, some students can feel shy, hesitant, and uncertain.
But as the course progresses, they’re more confident about trying new things, sharing their work with others and getting involved in discussions.
Why does this happen? Essentially, it’s down to a process known as the ‘confidence cascade’, where achieving a set of small, manageable goals strengthens your self-belief. You start to move past the fear of failure and see learning as an ongoing process that you can steer and direct.
In other words, by working towards a goal step by step, such as gradually progressing from beginner to advanced Italian, you'll grow confidence in your ability to achieve things. Also, overcoming challenges and obstacles while learning builds inner resilience, a key component of self-esteem.
4. Make new friends while studying
We can all go through life stages where we feel more isolated than usual, for instance, after moving home, becoming a parent or retiring. But a college course is a chance to make new friends while learning, as you can connect with a community of like-minded people.
Taking a course is also a way to become more involved in your local community, connect with fresh professional networks, and find creative collaborators. City Lit writing course students enjoy showcasing their work at our Late Lines events. Graduates of our Fine Art (CLFA) course even formed their own art collective, going on to create exhibitions, public art events, and international residencies.
Meeting new people broadens your horizons, creates opportunities and gives you a chance to see the world from a fresh perspective. Who knows where those connections might lead?
5. Upgrade your career and salary by upskilling
We’ve looked at the benefits of lifelong education to your brain health, wellness, confidence, and social life. But let’s not forget that career resilience and upskilling are huge benefits too. In fact, as 58% of City Lit students say that they enrolled on a course to improve their skills, you won’t be alone in this goal.
Skills stagnation and market shifts in your industry can disrupt or slow down your career. Continually updating your knowledge puts you in the career driving seat, giving you greater freedom and control.
For instance, you can adapt to current big shifts in tech by taking a course in AI and machine learning. Or you can boost your confidence and performance at work by doing a Skills For Life course in Maths or English. And you’re looking to change careers, here are our 5 Tips for a Successful Switch.
Whatever your goal is, doing a career development course can introduce you to industry experts, helpful mentors and a fresh professional network of peers. It’s a chance to revitalise your career, opening up new and exciting opportunities.
Is it too late to start learning something new?
Learning isn’t just for a specific time of your life, like school or university. It’s something you can embrace at every age and stage.
Adult education benefits people in many ways, including mentally, emotionally and socially. Learning later in life keeps your brain sharp and gives you a chance to grow as a person, building confidence, resilience and optimism.
You can also acquire new skills, make new friends, enhance your career and salary, and rediscover old passions. For inspiration, take a look at our tips on how to learn fast and master new sklls quickly.
Your brain forms new neural connections at every age, so it’s never too late to start learning again. Plus, bear in mind that mature learners often have greater self-discipline and motivation than they did in their younger years. In other words, age is never an obstacle to acquiring a new skill or qualification.
The only real hurdle is that fear that it’s ‘too late’, but it’s not. So if you’ve always dreamt of speaking Japanese, exploring astronomy or expressing yourself through art, why not start now?
It’s your time to grow, experiment and explore. Embrace it!
Start your adult learning journey today
Ready to enjoy the many benefits of learning as an adult? Browse over 5,000 City Lit courses available in London or online, including evening and weekend options.
