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Yeah, another age-related question.

I know these type of topics appear fairly often on this website, so don't have a go, please!

I know that people of all ages go to uni (so, please, save the anecdote about how there's 45 year olds on your course) and that age isn't as big a deal at uni as school and stuff, but I'm really wondering what the average of a student in the first year of their undergraduate student is? And if, as a 20/21 year old girl I'll be able to find many people that are my own age, or slightly older? I'm only (nearly..) 19 now, but the thing is, I'm mature for my age (people tell me this, etc.) and I know that at 20 or 21, I'll probably be even moreso.. so I think I'll notice the difference between 18 year olds and 21 year olds, if not by looks.

Or is it true that people over 20 in their first year are actually a tiny minority because most people go to uni straight from school? If it makes a difference, I'm not doing a vocational course (like nursing or engineering) which are more popular with mature students, but I'm hoping to study Biology the year after next.

Sorry if I come across like as if I'm over-analysing it, it's just one anxiety I have, which I'm sure is common. I know I'll probably fit in and not physically stand out or anything, but I admit I'd rather be with people my own age.. ?
Reply 1
Avatar for imbuzzinme
imbuzzinme
2
From my own experience it's not been a major issue. I've only just started but I'm 20 and turn 21 this month. Yes the majority are 18/19 and I had the exact same concerns as you but honestly nobody bats an eyelid and so far the age thing has not been an issue at all. It did help that the accommodation people put me in with people of similar ages (not strictly 'mature' but the age range of my flat is 19 to 21) but even so we've been out with people from other flats who are 18/19 and nobody cares and I haven't had any difficulties in interacting and socialising with them.

Sometimes I do notice 'immaturity' but I make allowances for that and put it down to them being fresh out of college - I worked for two years before coming to uni and I did a lot of growing up in that time but it hasn't stopped me getting on with people even if they're younger than me. The best advice I could give is just go with the flow when you're there, you will more than likely meet people your own age and even then I'll be surprised if you struggle to get on with people that are 18/19 - the age gap isn't that massive, even though at our age we think it makes a world of difference. People won't care and neither should you. Best of luck with whatever you go on to do!
Reply 2
Avatar for Threxy
Threxy
OP
14
Original post by imbuzzinme
From my own experience it's not been a major issue. I've only just started but I'm 20 and turn 21 this month. Yes the majority are 18/19 and I had the exact same concerns as you but honestly nobody bats an eyelid and so far the age thing has not been an issue at all. It did help that the accommodation people put me in with people of similar ages (not strictly 'mature' but the age range of my flat is 19 to 21) but even so we've been out with people from other flats who are 18/19 and nobody cares and I haven't had any difficulties in interacting and socialising with them.

Sometimes I do notice 'immaturity' but I make allowances for that and put it down to them being fresh out of college - I worked for two years before coming to uni and I did a lot of growing up in that time but it hasn't stopped me getting on with people even if they're younger than me. The best advice I could give is just go with the flow when you're there, you will more than likely meet people your own age and even then I'll be surprised if you struggle to get on with people that are 18/19 - the age gap isn't that massive, even though at our age we think it makes a world of difference. People won't care and neither should you. Best of luck with whatever you go on to do!

Thanks for the reassuring reply, especially since you're the exact age I am (at least planning to be) when I start, 20-turning-21-shortly. I'll see what comes to be, regarding accomodation, is that common practice? I mean to place people in with their age groups, especially "young mature" students. I'm assuming it's university accomodation..
(edited 12 years ago)
One of my best friends on my course took 2 gap years, as did some of my other friends, and I am a year younger than I should be; we all get on fine :smile:
Reply 4
Avatar for imbuzzinme
imbuzzinme
2
Original post by Threxy
Thanks for the reassuring reply, especially since you're the exact age I am (at least planning to be) when I start, 20-turning-21-shortly. I'll see what comes to be, regarding accomodation, is that common practice? I mean to place people in with their age groups, especially "young mature" students. I'm assuming it's university accomodation..


Yes it's university accommodation. I think it depends on where you go but I would imagine most universities would take that into account and try and place you with people of a similar age - I'm at Leeds and they were clearly very conscious of that as it's no coincidence that everyone in my flat all either took one, two or even three years out of education before coming to uni. I'm grateful as it has certainly made things a lot easier for me.
Reply 5
Avatar for Jono404
Jono404
13
I'm 22 and it hasn't really been a problem, some people have told me they'd never have known if I hadn't told them, others have said they thought I seemed older. Was so surreal when I was talking about the 90s and none of them really remembered it though. The mature student intake at my uni is about 31% but I think a lot of them are in private accommodation, in halls I've met a fair few 19/20 year olds and one 21 year old but no one older than me so far, I'm sure there's some about though.

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