Starting uni as a "mature student"

[WeMustGetOffTheMountain]

Now my children are both at school I decided it was my time to pursue a career. I start my foundation degree in children, young people and their services next week and I'm absolutely bricking it! The course is through a university, but studying at a partner college in my smallish town. I am terrified! I'm hoping to do the foundation degree then the third year top up so it will be a full degree.

Has anyone got any advice for starting uni as a "mature student"?

[PurpleDaisies]

Buy a nice new notebook!

You’ll be fine. I’d be surprised if there weren’t other mature students on your course. It may well be that that’s who you end up gravitating towards. Just be friendly and open and I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Really good luck. You’re doing a great thing for you and your family.

[WeMustGetOffTheMountain]

Thank you very much. Think I just needed reassurance!

[mankyfourthtoe]

You. Ring a lot of life knowledge that younger students don't yet have.
Try to get to know everyone not just people your age.
Read as much as you can, copious notes, get the hang of online journals etc. Keep good quotes and their location
Good luck I did a similar route

[Disfordarkchocolate]

I graduated at 40 with 4 children. I worked 9-5 so I didn't miss the evenings with my children.

Advice:
*get organised, last-minute deadlines are no fun if someone is suddenly off school

• the library will have study skills events, go to them.
  
• Learn how to reference in the required style and put the reference in any typed notes you make and add to essays as soon as you reference a text. Plagiarism is a big deal.
  
• lectures are very supportive of mature students.
  
• speak up in seminars, your opinion counts.
  
• back up everything, religiously.
  
  Good luck (and enjoy the stationery).

[lyingwanker]

Eek how exciting!! I'm doing the same but next September, I've already sent my application off on the day applications opened!

I think there'll be plenty of other mature students on your course so that won't be a problem. My plan is to take plenty of notes as I go along because when I get nervous my brain just doesn't retain info as well

[WeMustGetOffTheMountain]

@Disfordarkchocolate thank you so much, that is very helpful! It has been a long while since I wrote essays etc, but I'm sure I will get back into the swing of it. I'm guessing there will be lots of support available.

@lyingwanker that's fantastic, good luck with everything! I'll be sure to update how it goes for me!

I have actually reduced my hours at work so I will have more time to study. Whether or not that was the right decision remains to be seen, but I am confident it was what is needed at the moment.

[bellalou1234]

I started uni at 35. I was scared too but best thing i ever done. Wouldnt say i made lifelong friends as i thought. But felt a massive sense of achievement