Starting with the OU at 43

[Mimimayhem18]

Hi,
am not sure if I have taken a brave step in the right direction or done something very silly. Signed up to do Natural science biology with the OU in October and I have been accepted!

I always regretted not going to university when I was younger and I feel kind of trapped in a job I don’t like very much anymore so I took the chance.

I finished my level 3 apprenticeship during Covid with a distinction so I have studied fairly recently although not at the same level.

Has anyone else done this at my age? How did you get on? My confidence isn’t always the best and I sometimes feel like I don’t deserve to be doing it IYSWIM?

well done for acting on it 👏🏻 I am 51 this year, I am thinking of retraining to change my career

I’m 43 and half way through an OU degree. There’s people of all ages and circumstances you’ll be fine. It’s set up to work at your own pace and I’ve always found the tutors to be helpful and supportive, and the other students nice enough. Although mostly it’s a work alone type situation apart from a few tutorials each year. Well done on taking the plunge I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Well done OP for taking the plunge! I am half way through a BA with the OU, i think they are an amazing organisation, I’ve really enjoyed my study so far.

On my course (Art History) I’d reckon two thirds of the students are mature, and I’d say about half are over 50 (I’m 55). So as a 43 year old you are a relative youngster! I know you haven’t asked for advice but I would suggest as soon as your course materials arrive get stuck in if you can - I find it really helpful to get a couple of weeks ahead of the study timetable they set out for you. Then if you have stuff come up at home/ work/ illness you have a bit of give in your schedule. Best of luck and ENJOY!

You're definitely not too old, OU has a wide range of students from all walks of life. I did a degree with the OU there were people in their 60s and a 19 or 20 year old. Most were in their 40s and early 50s. Make the most of the tutor, activities and resources..they also had student support when i was feeling wobbly about my ability to do the degree. I think it's a very unique and at times isolating experience, you can't compare it to a brick uni at all in terms of the social aspect or feeling too old with young students. I would say it's more odd for younger ones (under 25s) on the course. Join the social groups for your course but be ware of braggers and negative nancies. I used to mute it as all the 'finished all assignments for next 6 months today' types were stressing me out.

I finished my BSc (Hons) Open at 58 so you will be fine. I have never regretted doing my OU degree although it was just for my own satisfaction 😀

You're about the same age I was when I started mine. It was one of the best decisions I have taken and led me to a new career.

I also did a science degree with OU in my 40s. It was a really great experience and allowed me to change to a completely new career. Go for it! Seriously, OU is there for people who can't do traditional uni because of other commitments, so there is always a range of ages.

Wow thank you everyone, there are so many positive stories. You have all made me feel so much better!

I graduated from the OU last year at the age of 43. There were people of all ages at the graduation ceremony. In fact if I remember rightly I think one of their oldest ever graduates was at the ceremony before mine and I’m sure she was in her 80s or 90s.

I actually miss quite a bit about my time with the OU. Get yourself a Totem student card too so you can ask for student discounts everywhere. I saved a fortune with mine as I could get a football season ticket for half price and cheaper cinema and bus tickets. It’s quite fun being in your 40s and asking for a student discount in shops and restaurants. 😁

DH is the same age as me and he was inspired by my studies and is now around halfway through a degree in Cyber Security which he’s fitting around working full time as a bus driver.

Looking back i wish i had worried less and enjoyed it more.
Try and attend the day schools and tutorials. This is your dream, it's exciting!

Congratulations! I graduated from my BA with Open just before I was 40 and then my MSc just before I was 50.

They are amazing. Talk to your tutor and student services if you have any worries - even tiny ones.

Also, trust the process. They know what they're doing. They are completely set up for remote learning, so if you get stuck just ask.

Every module I would think I would never get it, so I did all the reading, all the exercises, all the assessments and by the end I knew the stuff I never thought I would understand.

Set out specific time for study. Tell your family this is your OU time. Stick to it, then give them attention.

Eventually, invite them to your graduation xx

I hope you have a brilliant time.

Hi,

Well done on the move into university 😊 I am 41 and will start my 2nd year with The OU this year. Took a year out last year. There are so many different people of all ages with the OU. I love it.

Yes! I took 6 years to do BSc Psychology and am now doing an MA at a brick uni. It changed my life and has given me a career I always wanted.

I've just graduated this year at 41. I've been in tutorials with people in their 70s so it's never too late to start

I have just started a module after retiring

Hi,
I am 41 and about to go into my 2nd year with OU. I took a year out last year, but excited to get back on track. Just enjoy it 🙂