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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you ever to old to go to uni?

98 replies

MissMudskipper · 14/11/2019 18:34

I'm considering going to uni but as a mature student - think closer to 40 than I like to be - are you ever too old to go?

Bit of background - married with 2 kids both primary school age. I currently work part time in a job that has nothing to do with what I'd like to do degree wise - social work. However, I have a wealth of voluntary experience working with young children which I'd hope would go in my favour. A local uni does offer alternative routes if you dont have the standard entry requirements.

I'm in a lucky position that I dont necessary need to work as my husband earns a good wage (that's not a stealth boast!! Just how it is!)

AIBU in wanting to go to uni or should I just accept I'm too old now to start thinking of a major career change? My husband is supportive however some of my friends think I'm crazy!! Confused

OP posts:
Zorayda · 14/11/2019 18:36

The oldest person I've met picking up their PhD was 87! He brought his grandkids. You're never too old.

CollyWobbleMe · 14/11/2019 18:37

YANBU there were plenty of mature students on my course (top 2 uni, admittedly most of them had prior work experience in that field though and were seeking promotions). Good luck and good on you.

TheCanterburyWhales · 14/11/2019 18:38

Do it!

zsazsajuju · 14/11/2019 18:38

No never too old

JoJoSM2 · 14/11/2019 18:39

You’re not that old at all.

My sister decided to become a doctor in her 30’s. She’s now in her fourth year and her eldest child is coming up to 14. She figured she’ll still get 20+ years working in the profession.

HigherFurtherFasterBaby · 14/11/2019 18:39

Nope. I’m 33 and at Uni. And I’m not the oldest one on my course by a long shot either.

Yummymummy2020 · 14/11/2019 18:41

Never too old!!! In my class there were plenty of mature students, the age ranged from 30 up to sixty and they really did mix really well with the class. Nobody looked at their age or singled them out for it, and they contributed to the class atmosphere in a really positive way. They also had valuable experience and knowledge the younger members didn’t have and benefited greatly from. I would highly encourage you to pursue your ambitions, and don’t let that concern get in your way!

TellMeWhoTheVilliansAre · 14/11/2019 18:42

An 87 year old recently graduated from a university close to us.

Mrsfs · 14/11/2019 18:43

I just started uni in September, I'm 34. I actually thought I was going to feel old and be left out but that hasn't been the case at all.

Go for it and enjoy it!

FenellaMaxwell · 14/11/2019 18:44

Not at all! There was a 68 year old on my BA hons course when I was 18.

TheoriginalLEM · 14/11/2019 18:44

I went to uni as a mature student, I'm 49 now and retraining as a vet nurse. It's a 3 year course. Never too old

Tiredmum100 · 14/11/2019 18:46

I'm in uni at the moment doing a post grad diploma along side my job. I'm 36 with two dc in primary school. Never too old!

Original poster
MissMudskipper · 14/11/2019 18:46

When I read your messages it makes me think why on earth am I letting friends make me concerned?! Thanks for all your positive messages. On the university's website there is an email address if you have any queries about the alternative route so I'll send an email over.

OP posts:
Inliverpool1 · 14/11/2019 18:48

Social work is one of those jobs I think you need a bit of life behind you to do. Good luck to you

PicaK · 14/11/2019 18:49

No you're not. As long as you want to learn and will get something from your course then go for it.

Bobbi73 · 14/11/2019 18:53

I retrained at 43. Best thing I ever did! I wasn't the oldest by far, it was a nice mix of ages. Ignore your silly friends and go for it. Good luck

Themyscira · 14/11/2019 18:58

Absolutely not! Go for it. I firmly believe that learning is a lifelong process.

RuggerHug · 14/11/2019 18:58

Great Aunt did driving test at 65, school exams after that, uni in her 70s. Never too late!

Mummaofmytribe · 14/11/2019 18:59

I've applied to go back and retrain as a nurse next year (academic year starts in Feb here) I'll be almost 47 by then. Scared stiff! But if they accept me I'm gonna go for it. I could have 17 years of work to contribute post graduation so I think that makes it worthwhile. Good luck to you.

Original poster
MissMudskipper · 14/11/2019 19:02

Good luck @Mummaofmytribe those are my thoughts - hopefully life experience will go our way!

OP posts:
ThisIsReworked · 14/11/2019 19:03

I did my degree age 51 and my only regret is that I didn’t think to start a phd straight away. There were lots of mature students at my graduation. One man was in his 80s and came on stage carrying an oxygen tank!

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 14/11/2019 19:03

My DDad retired at 60, spent a year doing A level English then went to university. He said it was the best thing he could have done.

Tiredbadger · 14/11/2019 19:05

Definitely not! There is a 78 yr old on DH open university course! Smile

onetwothreemore · 14/11/2019 19:07

Definitely do it. I think it's a wonderful idea and you seem to have considered pros and cons. 40 the perfect time for a career change and the field you have chosen is most certainly a great career choice

MorganKitten · 14/11/2019 21:24

My dad is 57 and has gone back to uni