[ashtoreth]

(Original post by *Boofle*)
Yes, of course, my best friend at university is 37 (I'm 20). She has a young, thoughtful outlook on life and we have similar personalities. If you don't make an effort to talk to those younger than you (like some mature students on my course) then of course you wont fit in.

you just made me feel heaps better!

ty

[*Boofle*]

(Original post by ashtoreth)
you just made me feel heaps better!

ty

No problem

and don't worry, not everyone fresh from A-levels is immature or wants to get drunk 24/7. My friend has 3 kids and a busy home life so is different to us in that sense but became close friends with me and a few other girls of my age because she fit in with us rather than the other mature students who rarely attended and isolated themselves when they did by being unfriendly. I'm sure you'll make some good friends

[Botakgi]

(Original post by oo00oo)
I'm 22 and I can't stand undergraduates. There's no way in hell I'd go back to University after the age of about 20. Even as an 18 year old the people around me did my head in.

Why, what do they say?

[KKKKatie]

as long as you're not one of those 'question boys' you'll be fine.

[The_master616]

(Original post by KKKKatie)
as long as you're not one of those 'question boys' you'll be fine.

Question boys?

[ashtoreth]

(Original post by *Boofle*)
No problem

and don't worry, not everyone fresh from A-levels is immature or wants to get drunk 24/7. My friend has 3 kids and a busy home life so is different to us in that sense but became close friends with me and a few other girls of my age because she fit in with us rather than the other mature students who rarely attended and isolated themselves when they did by being unfriendly. I'm sure you'll make some good friends

think i'm more concerned cos most mature students tend to study locally, especially when they got family n stuff, like your friend.

me? i'm upping sticks so it's making me nervous, i think? i'm just praying i find a mixed bunch of ppl that i'll have no trouble mixing with.

[ashtoreth]

(Original post by The_master616)
Question boys?

think they mean how mature students being more confident etc, tend to ask Q's during lectures n stuff.

[The_master616]

OH NOEZ! How dare we want to learn!

[ashtoreth]

heh...and yet apparently, that is what gets the goat of most of the younger students. i've read this a few times now, on other threads.

[GLay]

Hi,

I will be 36 when i go to cov uni in september, i dont think age should be a problem if its something you really want to do. I just hope i'm not the only mature student in the class!
That could feel a little awkward.

[dean01234]

of course.

[KKKKatie]

(Original post by The_master616)
Question boys?

those people, who tend to be mature students, who ask unnecessary/cringe questions EVERY lecture.

[Feem]

(Original post by KKKKatie)
those people, who tend to be mature students, who ask unnecessary/cringe questions EVERY lecture.

haha please give some examples of cringe ones!

[Dutchman81]

(Original post by ashtoreth)
well, fit in as in, not stick out and look outta place...yannnow?

- so that u don't feel awkward or uncomfy

Don't worry about such rubbish, why should you be bothered?

If you’re humble, respectful, approachable, you get on well with people then you should fit in.

**I think** lol

[teresaq]

No-one has ever referred to my age (I'm 60) even though most of my co-students have been younger than me. However, I have studied part-time and distance. But it might be different if I was studying full-time and living at a University. I don't think I would like that.

[DrunkenMaster]

I must admit my first worry about being a mature student was being the oldest there (im 30 now). Indeed at every freshers fair I would always feel like Richie from Bottom trying to hang out with the kids from Skins

[Jabberwox]

As long as you don't make a meal of it / tell people your real age I doubt anyone will even notice, especially if you look young

People normally take me for 15/16. I'm sure people will be shocked when I tell them in September I am almost 21.

[BigV]

(Original post by KKKKatie)
those people, who tend to be mature students, who ask unnecessary/cringe questions EVERY lecture.

I agree.
Students should not expect lecturers to answer questions or clarify understanding, I mean it is not like university costs thousands of pounds per year and is supposed to foster an inclusive learning environment or anything.

It is much better to sit there in blind panic and total silence when you don't understand something.

[Vertigo2012]

I used to have this idea that education was supposed to be conventional and that I'd stick out or something for doing it later... But does it really matter? I mean, I know it can be scary, but with everything we have to handle who cares what 18 year olds think?

Also, I'll be going away to study, and If I don't have a "normal" life outside of Uni-World I'll go nuts. So the whole social thing won't be as important to me there.

So yeah, I'll just be normal and try and get on with people. I don't want the experience to be hellish (for the time and money I'll be spending on it), but really I'm more bothered about getting my head down and doing my own thing.

[Soule]

I totally understand where the Op is coming from. I am 37 years old, and going to Royal Holloway in September, and I will be staying in halls. Uni is daunting no matter what age, but I think it is harder for maturer students who have been out of education for longer (I've been out of education for 20 years). Being isolated, with a perceived potential of being the only person over 30 on your degree or around the uni, added in to the mix, of the self doubt of being able to do the degree, is naturally scary.

In truth, when we get there, it will be just fine and all our worries will be put to rest, but for now it is the unknown.