But Bangor University student Hazel Thompson, 41, from Prestatyn, has graduated from Bangor University with a first class honours degree in theology, having juggled her studies with her work and family life for the past three years.
Hazel left school at 16 without any qualifications and had a variety of jobs until she gave up work to bring up her daughter. But when she wanted she quickly discovered that she needed qualifications.
She gained NVQs at Llandrillo College in Rhyl where she also heard about the access courses which became a way into university.
Like many students Hazel worked part-time during her degree course and is a support worker for adults with learning difficulties.
She said: "I have found the last three years difficult and tiring, as it's a challenge to fit everything in, but it's been more than worth it.
"I think that it has affected my daughter the most because I suddenly went from being a full-time mum to leaving home before she was awake so I could commute into Bangor, arriving home half an hour before her bedtime and then being absent at weekends as I often have 24-hour shifts at work.
Hazel plans to continue with her education next year and will be returning to Bangor to complete a MTh in New Testament Studies.
"It's an amazing feeling to be graduating. Attending university has always been a 'pipe-dream' that I never thought would come true. I even had the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Highgrove and meet Prince Charles.
Lecturer Catrin Williams said: "Hazel has been awarded one of the best Class I degrees that the school has witnessed for well over a decade. She has managed to gain a first in every paper at level 3 and, with one exception, at level 2. We have all been so impressed by her enthusiasm and by her sheer determination to leave no 'theological' stone un-turned."