Starting your master’s in your late twenties can feel like a step back. Maybe you had stability, friends with “adult lives,” and then suddenly—you’re in a student room with no furniture, facing uncertainties about the future. But here’s the truth: uncertainties never really go away. They are part of life. What we can do is prepare ourselves and learn to embrace change when it comes.

At Uppsala, I’ve learned that age is less important than perspective. In my program, most of us were born in the nineties which was a pleasant surprise, but other programs—like Peace and Conflict—bring in students with years of fieldwork and professional experience. That diversity is an asset. It shows that whether you are coming straight from your bachelor’s or after years in the job market, you belong here. Your experience matters.

And yes, priorities shift. You might still go to nation parties but leave early for your yoga class the next morning or to do laundry. I jokingly call it “being a señora,” but really, it’s just recognizing that growing older means prioritizing other values. At the same time, you’ll learn from younger classmates how to take risks and be fearless. (Honestly, Swedish students in their twenties sometimes feel more ‘adult’ than I was back when I was that age!)

So, if you’re wondering whether it’s “too late” to study—trust me, it isn’t. Uppsala is proof that every stage of life brings something unique to the classroom. The only thing that matters is showing up with curiosity, courage, and openness to learn.