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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:
VaggieMight · 14/11/2019 23:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at poster's request.

Shamoo · 15/11/2019 00:00

I went back and did a masters at 35 - best year of my life!

S0upertrooper · 15/11/2019 00:01

I finished my degree in 2016. Completed a PGCE in June this year, I'm 52. Go for it!

mrsjackrussell · 15/11/2019 00:04

Hi I studied nursing at age 40 and there were people older than me on the course. One was in their 50s, go for it.

LegallyBrunet · 15/11/2019 00:08

There’s a 77 year old just started at my uni. You’re never too old

smudgeflower · 15/11/2019 00:12

I'm 35 and just started a degree. There are several people on my course in their 60s and 70s. Never too old!

newreality1 · 15/11/2019 00:12

I honestly do not think you can ever be too old to go to university. It's all about lifelong learning. If you are only 40 you have plenty of time!

You are most definitely not too old to think about a major career change. Go for it and enjoy every moment of the experience!

Alsohuman · 15/11/2019 00:14

There was a woman aged 73 who graduated when I did.

Butterfly02 · 15/11/2019 00:24

When I went to uni age 18 - 20+years ago the age range was 18-58 and average was probably late 30s this was for a specific profession.
So I'd say no not to old its probably more important to consider feasibility than your age.

AutumnColours9 · 15/11/2019 00:26

I graduated aged 42 in a health profession degree. There were many others my age! And older! Life experience is an asset.

mumwon · 15/11/2019 01:32

I graduated BA late 50's to prove I could - 2/1 I left school aged 16 - I loved doing my degree & proving to myself that I could - so many times as a woman I was talked down to by professionals & people in authority.
It is never to late, if you don't try & keep on trying doing new things you are not really living - go for it! You can do it!

SisyphusHadItEasy · 15/11/2019 01:46

I have 3 DCs and graduate as an engineer in April. In August I turn 50.

I am actually taking a break from revising for an advanced hydraulics exam to respond to your post.

Never too old, in fact, I have found studying as a mature student to be one of the most rewarding thing I have done, As my motivations for returning to school are different from the younger students, I have found it reasonably straightforward to stay near the top of the class too.

IamWaggingBrenda · 15/11/2019 02:34

Go for it. My mum’s friend went to law school when she was in her mid 50’s and had a lovely career for years.

sashh · 15/11/2019 02:53

Be warned it can be addictive.

I never wanted to go to uni (And I've never seen a single episode of an Aussie soap) but at 32 I had to give up my career due to ill health so realised I would need a degree to get back to work.

Now after a BA, DTTLS and a PGCElast year I started a Bsc with the Open uni. I'm 53.

IdblowJonSnow · 15/11/2019 03:01

I've just gone back to college and I'm 44. Probably in the middle of the age range in the group!
Do it and stop listening to the doubters!

HouseworkAvoider10 · 15/11/2019 03:42

In short, no.

LellyMcKelly · 15/11/2019 04:24

I’m a lecturer and we teach lots of people in their 30s and 40s, often in similar circumstances to you. In many ways, now is the perfect time. You’ll get to study but get holiday at the same time as your kids so you won’t need to worry about childcare, and in a few years, when they’re more independent, you’ll have finished your degree and be ready to start work.

Alicewond · 15/11/2019 04:27

If you are 105 I would say yes, if younger go for it, what’s the worst that could happen? You’ll die :P

alreadyinchristmasmood · 15/11/2019 04:40

29 and doing law school. This is my second degree, it's a bit harder because I also work full time but I'm slowly getting through it. I think it's worth it.

thatwasMauijustmessingaround · 15/11/2019 06:35

My husband lectures in a university, he teaches mature students of all ages every year.

When I went to university, we had a couple of women 40+ on our course.

My own mother went to university in her 40s and she had several friends who were similar ages.

Sleephead1 · 15/11/2019 06:39

Im doing a degree part time with open university il be 40 when I finish. I do still need to work and it works well for us around school hours. I think you are not too old at all and say go for it.

SansaForTheIronThrone · 15/11/2019 06:45

I'm 39 and just started a degree in social work, go for it, it's a huge learning experience, lots of work, big commitment expected from the uni, but is very interesting. With retirement ages going up, we will have a long time to work still after qualifying so I wouldn't be concerned about the age. The majority of people on my course are mature students. I don't have loads of experience in the field other than having my own children and volunteering with children once a fortnight.

hoochymamgu · 15/11/2019 06:51

Nope Grin

pickleface · 15/11/2019 06:53

I'm 42 and just finished my masters. I don't even think it will increase my earning potential 🙄. Can't imagine why anyone would have anything negative to say though

CatherineVelindre · 15/11/2019 06:58

I'm a university lecturer (also in a professional discipline) and some of my best students are mature (30s, 40s and older). I did my professional qualifications in my 20s, and my Master's and teaching qualifications in my 30s. I'm finally doing my doctorate in my 50s and it's fitting it in round work that's the challenge, not my age!

Courses like social work, nursing, midwifery, teaching etc tend to have a high percentage of mature students, who bring valuable life experience to their studies. Do it!