What's it like being a mature student?

[rockpink]

Starting University next month, first time, any tips?
PS I'll be 40...twice as old as the average student!

I did an MA when I was 42 with 2 kids age 3 and 5, 1 hr 20 mins commute each way to uni. Average age of rest of cohort I'd say 26. It was fine. Lovely people, I was one of 3 'oldies' , and seemed to end up being someone people would come to for advice about where to find a piece of research etc. The reason for this was because I would by far be the person asking the most questions in lectures and seminars. Why? Because age brought confidence and more of a sense that I had paid the institution to educate me so why not put them through their paces. It's all good being a mature student.

I def think you'll get invited out as long as you make an effort to have a coffee with them regularly etc.

rockpink I have had some epic nights out with my young friends.

I'm 42, about to start my final year of an English BA and I love it.

I'm starting in September too

There was one other mature student at the group interview so I don't think I'm the only one but it will be nice to mix with straight from schoolies

Strangely one of the first years did a placement at my daughter's school and I was talking to her

She said 'not to worry, there are loads of old people on her course' hmmm thanks for that!

LOL at 'old people'. My late cat was older than my classmates, and I am old enough to have parented some of them.

haha! yes I'm old enough to have parented these students too, I'm now friends with them on facebook (we are all in a Uni group I made, check me out, old git using technology )
so hopefully I'll get to know them and not annoy them too much with my endless questions...

I am nearly 51 and just about to start my final year.

There are many mature students on my course but I am the oldest. In fact, I am older than most of the lecturers and tutors

I was a mature student.

All of the mature students on my course got 1st or 2.1 degrees. We were all far more motivated than the younger students, but much poorer as we were mostly self-funded.

I joined a uni sports club and made loads of friends despite being older.

The only problem we had during the course was that some students would mistake us for lecturers and ask us questions. I thought it was hilarious but some other mature students got quite offended

It's worth checking if your uni has a mature student officer. Ours didn't until I got voted in this year - I really hope someone will take up the baton when I leave.

Mewling (fellow Chaucer fan?) I got a 1st for my second year . I'm already working on next year's reading because I want a First for my whole degree.

No there isn't a mature student rep at my University, the Student Union Rep asked me if I wanted to be it!

Well done on the 1st !

Thanks :) Do you want to be rep?

I don't know what it would really involve, I'd like to see what it would entail! :)

I don't know yet So far it's arranging a social event and having a table at Fresher's.

Maybe next year I'll be at freshers with a table, I wouldn't know what I could offer now!

Because age brought confidence and more of a sense that I had paid the institution to educate me so why not put them through their paces. It's all good being a mature student

This. With nobs on. I loved it. I did first degree as a school leaver, second one aged 40. Much much better experience as an older student.

Glad I've read this thread. I'm 41 and start full time Uni next month. I'm simultaneously scared & excited.

What are you studying JadziaSnax?

Computer Network Technology. I was made redundant earlier in the year and decided to go for it.

Good luck with your course.

I was 45 when I went back to university luckily for me there was a group of mature students on my course. We had a lot of fun. The only time one of us felt their age was when one of my friends was queuing up to register and one of the reps was flogging tickets for the freshens disco he totally blanked her