Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

First week at uni as an older student- Do I complain?

63 replies

killedtheplant · 26/02/2025 02:43

Hi All, I am overseas studying nursing and being in my 30's the class is a mixed bag of all ages, genders and backgrounds as expected. We are in week one and although naturally its going to be a lot to take in, I have been struggling the most with the teens who have just finished a 1 year pre-nursing course to gain them access to the university study from finishing school. The problems I am having are that some of us are not fresh off the back of a pre nursing course and are learning a lot of this stuff for the first time and im finding that during class a group of the pre nursing students are constantly shouting out the answers and theories to the tutor while she is explaining. This leads to the tutor to move on and almost expects that we all are up to scratch. A lot of us arent! I am by no means shaming the other students for their knowledge but I feel its bad show of the tutor to have such an 'ok you guys got this! well lets move on then' attitude when many of us are still not informed about the topic we just whizzed over. I know a few of you may suggest calling the tutor out next time and explaining that I haven't indeed 'got it' and would like to be informed. Do I send the tutor an email and explain my thoughts or do I just stick it out and hope that the tutorials become more in-depth?

OP posts:
CoralHare · 26/02/2025 07:20

I don’t think you need to complain but you do need to speak up if you don’t understand. Typically this would be either in the moment (or if that’s tricky) then stay after the lecture and ask for help.

GeorgeMichaelsCat · 26/02/2025 07:21

You shouldn't 'complain', but you should approach the tutor and tell them you are struggling to keep up.

LolaLouise · 26/02/2025 07:25

In nursing you have to have the confidence to speak up. When the lecturer asks the question, just say no, i dont fully understand, could you explain again in more detail, thank you. Theres no point in just waiting until after the lecture, you need to speak up in the moment too.

Waterweight · 26/02/2025 07:44

Definitely message them about this. All my teachers throughout school effectively only taught a number a students & it did have an impact long term your also paying the same price you deserve to be able to learn properly

S1M2I3L4E5 · 26/02/2025 08:03

The very same thing happened when I was studying midwifery.
Definitely bring it up. I did, the people in the same boat as me were delighted, and the ones who shouted out a lot understood.
I did also recommended maybe some of us could meet during lunch, as some people REALLY wanted to talk about the experience they had already gained, but now knew the classroom wasn't the place to do that. That worked well for those of us that wanted to do it (not everyone obviously)

Judecb · 27/02/2025 17:50

Just speak to the tutor privately. It's what they're there for.

0ctavia · 27/02/2025 18:01

Also you need to make friends with the younger students on your course and not just see them as a problem.

Ask your class rep to organise some social events so you can get to know them.

Ask if anyone is going for drinks/ food after class on a Friday ( or at lunchtime ). As you are new to the city they should understand that you want to make freinds and get to know the area.

Are any of the other mature students having the same issue?

CuriousQuestioningGal · 27/02/2025 18:14

I am a lecturer and I would want to know. Email or have a chat. The lecturer would rather know and can pre-empt the shouting out.

RH1234 · 27/02/2025 18:17

I lecture within a nursing department. Email or speak with your tutor, we are there to get the best out of you and for you to get the best out of us.

Trust me, they will change the style of delivery and support as required.

Candy999 · 27/02/2025 18:21

killedtheplant · 26/02/2025 02:43

Hi All, I am overseas studying nursing and being in my 30's the class is a mixed bag of all ages, genders and backgrounds as expected. We are in week one and although naturally its going to be a lot to take in, I have been struggling the most with the teens who have just finished a 1 year pre-nursing course to gain them access to the university study from finishing school. The problems I am having are that some of us are not fresh off the back of a pre nursing course and are learning a lot of this stuff for the first time and im finding that during class a group of the pre nursing students are constantly shouting out the answers and theories to the tutor while she is explaining. This leads to the tutor to move on and almost expects that we all are up to scratch. A lot of us arent! I am by no means shaming the other students for their knowledge but I feel its bad show of the tutor to have such an 'ok you guys got this! well lets move on then' attitude when many of us are still not informed about the topic we just whizzed over. I know a few of you may suggest calling the tutor out next time and explaining that I haven't indeed 'got it' and would like to be informed. Do I send the tutor an email and explain my thoughts or do I just stick it out and hope that the tutorials become more in-depth?

I am 6 months into my nursing degree and tbh we had the opposite problem. Us older students (who mostly worked in social/health care before) were way ahead and a lot of the time was spent going over tiny little things. It’s the first week and it took us a few weeks as classes to adjust to things. I’m assuming your on either virtual placement or essay/presentation strand as majority of the UK unis seem to work the same on the nursing degrees. If it’s really bothering you I would message your PT or module lead, although I wouldn’t hold out much hope. We’ve just come back from placement and I have to say being back in the classroom things have really settled and everyone is just getting on with it.

Elliebeli · 27/02/2025 18:23

You need to speak up and tell the tutor as it is.
when they say ok, we can move on; stop them there and then and explain that you don’t understand (in fact that there are a number of you who don’t understand) as you haven’t done the pre- nursing stuff.

there is absolutely no shame in doing it like this and speaking up- this is from me who went to do nursing at uni as a mature student. Don’t be scared- just speak up. There is no shame in not knowing. Whatever you do, don’t wait until tutorials to try catch up.
you need to get the most out of your classes in terms of teaching

Whoopsididitagainagain · 27/02/2025 18:32

ItShouldntHappenToMeYet · 26/02/2025 06:47

You have a tongue in your head. Use it.
You are going to have to learn to challenge people and situations in your nursing career. Some may be hard, will make you unpopular and make you wonder what the hell.
If you cannot challenge younger people or your peers at your age, you may need to reconsider this course.

Show quote history

Well, aren’t you a delight.

Spacecowboys · 27/02/2025 18:34

I agree with others about speaking to the tutor. It’s probably a good idea to read round the lesson content before attending the lectures too, so you’re more prepared going in. They don’t tend to cover the topics in enough depth anyway ( time constraints) , so have a look at their suggested reading list and use that to guide you.

Hwi · 27/02/2025 18:44

Complain! This is a TAUGHT degree, this is unacceptable. You have the authority of your age and wisdom, they would listen to you!

CyanMaker · 27/02/2025 18:56

It's been a long time since I was in college.Are things that different now where shouting out and interrupting the instructor is allowed.? It seems rude to me and that's what needs to be stopped so everyone can learn.

MadeInYorkshire69 · 27/02/2025 19:18

Hi OP I work in a uni and have experience working with healthcare students. I agree with others who have said that others may be feeling the same as you. Ask to speak to the academic after. And if you get chance volunteer to be a class rep. This ensures your views, as well as others are heard .
You may also find the know alls know less as the time goes. And fair play to you for doing the course- it’s a big workload but FWIW the mature students coped much better on placement than the younger ones. Go you!

BobbyBiscuits · 27/02/2025 19:22

I can imagine it's extremely intense and the temptation must be strong for the tutor to push ahead as soon as it seems the most vocal people have the answers. But definitely do say something.
If you'd befriended some others who feel the same way you could approach in a group. Not singling out the students specifically, but pointing out that things seem to be moving too swiftly for many of you to properly benefit.
But definitely an email and a calm rational chat would be a good idea.
If you don't it could make many people feel like they're falling behind unfairly. It's such a work and information heavy degree and so important everything is learnt confidently. So they hopefully will take heed.

ByTaupeViper · 27/02/2025 19:24

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

weirdoboelady · 27/02/2025 19:28

I know someone said don't email, but I would write down your points so that you have something to refer to. This is how I interpret the situation

  • (start with a positive) - I enjoy your well structured classes
  • it would be helpful to have a precis of what you are going to cover in each lecture, with a suggested reading list so that everyone comes prepared
  • the problem is that the pre-nursing people (PNP) have covered some of your points, but not everyone has. I'm well qualified for the course but feel that the basics are being skimmed because the PNP are encouraging skimming over these things. But the people who aren't PNP's haven't covered this stuff.
  • would you circulating pre-lecture notes help with this, or do you have another suggestion? like teaching the course properly
OhCalmTheFuckDownMargaret · 27/02/2025 19:30

This isn't a complaint. Just explain as you have here. When others call the answers out and the topic moves forward, you feel left behind because you didn't know the answers.

InSpainTheRain · 27/02/2025 19:46

Speak to her face to face, not to complain, but explain the situation
.

Chunkilumptious · 27/02/2025 19:52

Agree let em know, it's not a complaint. They might think everyone . Don't feel disheartened though, things will soon even out and you'll catch up quickly.

Chunkilumptious · 27/02/2025 19:53

Might think everyone did the pre degree**

Floralnomad · 27/02/2025 19:55

I’d ask for an appointment with the tutor and explain the problem

pitterypattery00 · 27/02/2025 19:55

I'm a lecturer and I welcome, indeed actively encourage, constructive feedback from my students. Don't complain, just raise the issue with the appropriate people.

To put a positive spin on it, the enthusiasm and confidence that the young students have is great to hear. I find many first years are nervous to contribute anything in tutorials and are terrified of making a mistake. The students on your course just need to learn how to contribute to sessions in a helpful way. Which they will, with time and a skilled teacher's help. Uni is a learning experience for everyone.