Mature Students applying for Sept 2017 - come join me for a support thread

[FoofFighter]

I'm in my mid-forties and I've put a late application in for Social Sciences to start in 2017/18.

Track tells me it's all with the Uni and awaiting consideration by 13/7 - Uni emailed me separately to say it'd be by 30/6 :)

Just thought a support thread might be a nice thing as we go through the processes, funding applications etc and hopefully then through our studies?

[mumoffour1716154]

@WoodenCat as course administrator about alternative seminar sessions. I’m second year undergraduate and have been able to change seminar sessions but not lecture sessions, for child care requirements. Usually there are multiple seminar sessions as smaller groups

[WoodenCat]

Thanks for reply - they definitely only run those sessions, the course is tiny and there's only 3 of us taking one of the modules! I don't feel I could ask them to change for a week just because I have a holiday booked.

[YellowPrimula]

I am doing an MA , part time so this is my second year . You will love it , I have over 30 years between BA and MA , the first essay is a bit terrifying but everyone has been really supportive.

At my university you are allowed to miss no more than two seminars per module per term , life happens , people have holidays , get ill etc.Let your course leader know and module lecturer if not the same .Make sure you catch up on the essential reading and as long as that's not the week for your essay topic you will be fine.

[MrsNeedsCoffee]

Can I join in?? I'm mid-30s and about to start uni.

I was doing well in my previous career, but it was suggested that in order to progress to the top, I needed to complete a higher level qualification. The thought of putting all that time, money and effort into something that would take me away from my hobby of photography, made my heart sink.
So I applied late, somehow got accepted, quit my old job and I start my photography degree this week!

It is a huge life change and I'm nervous that I'll be the oldest one there!

[donajimena]

Hello Mrs I started last week and from what I can see looking around campus across all is that there are a very high proportion of mature students. In my tutorial group of 11 only 2 were school leavers.
I did go to my Freshers fair which you absolutely MUST do. I came out with lots of free stuff and discount vouchers. But I passed on the nightclub passes
I am really enjoying the atmosphere on campus and the feeling of belonging to part of something. The work hasn't kicked in yet though so maybe I'll be less enthusiastic then! However this is my ONE shot at getting a career rather than a job so I know I'll complete it.
I'm slightly envious of your degree course. Its a hobby of mine too.

[Camomila]

I've got registration this week and lectures starting the week after. I can't wait!
I spent all day yesterday turning the spare room into my 'study' and have been scouring ebay for 2nd hand books.

[mumoffour1716154]

@MrsNeedsCoffee
Yep I’m the oldest on my degree at 42. Doing second year. The other students wouldn’t see that as a problem and just be as accommodating (or not) as young upto 22 can be.

[mumoffour1716154]

@Camomila snap I did this over the summer, got rid of sofa and replaced it with a daybed. Single duvet and pillow stored under the bed !! I’m in oxfam every week buying books

[gingergenius]

Ooh me too! For my photography degree! Seeing the head of department tomorrow!!!

[MrsNeedsCoffee]

ginger another photography student!

[gingergenius]

I'm in!!!!! I start tomorrow! I'm petrified!

[FoofFighter]

You'll be grand gingergenius :)

I've spent today helping out at the freshers fayre in a bid to get around and meet some people, really takes me out of my comfort zone I'll be totally honest!

My first piece of work is due in tonight my 11.59 so I have biscuits and coffee on the go. It's only 500 words but they've not been overly clear with what we actually have to do or forthcoming with much help really, so slightly nervous I am going to do the whole thing wrong!

Aiming for the basic pass mark D!

[WoodenCat]

Good luck gingergenius and FoofFighter !! Almost survived the first week and didn't look as stupid as I felt... I think

[gingergenius]

Thanks woodencat! Intro to studio work today! V exciting!!!

[gingergenius]

Thanks Foo!!!!

[gingergenius]

2 days in and having a wobble. Too old, too stupid, too tired. Worried I won't be able to juggle. Lecturer pulling me up on stuff (basically questioning a choice of image that I wanted to critique saying she thought it was a surprising choice a woman of my age - made me feel totally stupid and small).

Please tell me it'll be ok????

[MrsNeedsCoffee]

Don't wobble ginger! I totally understand though. I haven't even started yet (have only just enrolled and lessons start this week) and I already feel slightly wobbly.
I'm trying to remember that it might take a bit of time to find my feet.

[mumoffour1716154]

@gingergenius surprised lecturer commented your age, has no relevance to the task.

Keep at it, and because of your age and experience you will manage your commitments more efficiently, that’s what my lecturer assured me in first year. Now in second I feel settled and confident

[MessedUpWheelieBin]

Gingergenius Just came across this and it strikes a chord.
Hope things are better now, and it was just a blip, if not, hang on in there and if necessary learn to 'own it'. (better still, learn to justify and contextualise it, but owning will get you through.)
As a v.mature 2nd yr, I'd just say, ageism (and disableism ) are alive and well, and you're there to invest in you regardless. Don't let anyone put you off.
It's great if they're supportive, but it isn't the end of the world if they appear disappointed or irritated, fairly or unfairly, by anything you say or do. You wont be the first or the last.

[FoofFighter]

How is it all going fellow students?

I have my first set of results in! 66% which I thought was poor but have since been searching in student room which indicates in real terms that’d be a 2.1 😮

Has everyone settled in now?
I’ve joined the student association and volunteered for university events in an effort to make some friends to grab a coffee with between lectures

[WoodenCat]

Good to hear from you Foof! Great result, you have to be pretty pleased with that!

My course is interesting in itself but really disappointing in that out of 12 people in each seminar, only about 4 of us will readily contribute. I find it puzzling and frustrating- why bother with an MA if you're not going to read any of the required stuff or open your mouth in a discussion?! It makes for a horribly stilted and awkward atmosphere. The lecturers seem quite taken aback too. But it is brilliant to be stretching my mind again so that's very positive.

[mumoffour1716154]

@WoodenCat in every seminar I attend only the same 3/4 will debate or participate. Also that out of 20 only a third will attend. I really don’t understand why they are at the university if not to learn.

[Lollipopslife17]

So I was here in 2017 bending my frustration but I am happy to come to say I will be graduating in July ’19. I did it!!!