Being the oldest person on uni course

[SoxonFeet]

Started on a uni course last week, on a post grad course. I was worried about being the oldest person on the course but convinced myself it would be fine.

Except I am the oldest person on the course by a good ten years. Most are 22/23 and conversation revolves around the uni course/moving out and living independently for the first time and future career goals whilst currently part time working,

They all seem nice people but I feel very much like a fish out of water. I have a career so for me the course is progression but not in the same way. And I have kids which none of them do. They keep talking about being a proper grown up, which is sweet but very different to Mrs Zimmer frame over here!

It’s full time for a year. I’m just going to have to grin and bear it aren’t I? —while sobbing into my pillow about how old I am—

Oh god. I’m 52 and starting an MSc next week. I’m going to be so old compared to everybody else. Hadn’t thought of that ☹️

I am probably about the same age as you (mid thirties?) and teach at a university now. I'm really grateful to be past the student stage and that I know how to adult whilst still being young and fun (hopefully!)...I remember all the insecurity of that time and wouldn't want to be that age again.

When I did my MA the youngest on our course was 22 and the oldest was over 60! The youngest very much acted her age and the oldest was universally adored. She might have been a Grandma but she was a cool sexy grandma who had LIVED. What a life. She was funny, wise, kind, ditzy and good at the skills we were developing. She was initially self conscious but we didn't really see her age after a while.

Are you fun and interesting? Are there students who in spite of their age seem mature and together? This all makes a difference.

Universal interests can be Netflix series, music, travel...try and find some things you have in common that you can chat about and make things more bearable.

I work with a girl who is on a similar course and a similar age to the current students. We get on great and have lots in common (food and tv being ever universal) despite our different stages in life. I doubt I’d be described as cool and interesting though.

But everyone seems to be in competition (possibly due to the next step in their progression) and so it’s all smarts and trying to one up each other. Plus some studied on different courses last year, so lots of defined groups. I’m the old lady no one really has any interest in getting to know.

I just feel very out of place.