In the last few decades, the massification and diversification of tertiary education has transformed the structure of higher studies, especially in Western countries. This has meant remarkable changes also in the Finnish higher education system, with the result that today there are more routes to higher education than ever before. In Finland, besides the universities there is now a polytechnics network and moreover, access to regular universities has also been broadened. Further, like other countries Finland has experienced a growth in the number of adult university students. Students either enter university later than usual or continue their previous interrupted studies later as adults. Degree-oriented university studies are attracting more and more interest also in the older age groups, even among those already retired. The presentation is based on an empirical study (N = 228) specifically focused on the theme of alternative routes to regular universities. Both normal entrance examinations and, especially, alternative routes have seen many students beginning their university studies at an older age than usual. Nearly half of these students had enrolled at university aged 30 or over, a third aged over 40. The target group was very heterogeneous also as to their general education and their vocational studies. For example, a part of the students - nearly half of those using the vocational route - were admitted to university without upper secondary education. Comparisons between adult students and younger students have revealed differences regarding university admission, the early stages of making a commitment to university life, the beginning of studies and, finally, the degree-taking phases. On the one hand, adult students may meet difficulties which younger students do not have, on the other hand their work and life experience and their thinking ability brings advantages which will make it easier for them to acquit themselves well as university students. Most adult students were highly motivated, found their studies meaningful, and were committed to their studies. These features helped them to overcome even difficult problems, such as those some students, especially the older ones, had because of limited knowledge of languages or poor mathematical skills or inadequate IT skills. However, the presentation will give some background details of these older students and indicate some critical factors affecting the university admission and studying phases.