Early 20's ''Mature Students'' but not.

So I'm 23 and classed as mature.

But am just 5 years older. I like to party have partied and enjoy fun and frivolity as much as the next.

But as we are ''mature'' yet not was just wondering the general consensus where do we fit.

Is anyone else worried feeling old or just not caring.

Reply 1

captainncc1701

6

Don't care, the primary goal is to get an education, other things are just secondary.

Reply 2

Tom_91

OP

5

Original post by captainncc1701

Don't care, the primary goal is to get an education, other things are just secondary.

Of course the primary goal is for an education. But at the same time it's important to throw yourself in and have the full uni experience. That is my concern having done it, but still able, it's straddling the line. We aren't old so where do we fit simple question.

Reply 3

simplylldxo

14

Well I'm 21... But you know what, I'm not going to follow the label 'mature student.' I'm an university student.

Reply 4

captainncc1701

6

Original post by Tom_91

Of course the primary goal is for an education. But at the same time it's important to throw yourself in and have the full uni experience. That is my concern having done it, but still able, it's straddling the line. We aren't old so where do we fit simple question.

True, don't think too much about, you'll do your head in. lol

Reply 5

Kelytha

12

I'm 24 in October and while I don't fancy clubbing 3x a week for the next 3 years I do want to enjoy the social side of uni as well as get a degree. I'm planning to join a few societies, and go out a couple of times a week clubbing/pubbing. (I do prefer a pub to a club) however, I will be working hard to get my degree. I'm only going to be 5 years older than most students, I don't really think it matters. We look young enough to pass off as 18/19 and to be honest, we're 23, not 73!

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Reply 6

Tom_91

OP

5

Original post by captainncc1701

True, don't think too much about, you'll do your head in. lol

True that.

But knowing other freshers my age we all have the same concern. We're considered old. But yet we're inbetween and it's a hard place to be as relatively speaking we are young.

Kelytha your the same as me want to enjoy but not the same as when I was 18. I think it's important that we realise our degree is foremost ant that is a bonus to us. But at the same time enjoying and relishing in our uni experience.

In our early 20's we are in the best position young enough but mature enough to cover all basis :wink:

.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 7

Livvy.B

1

I'm 22 I want to have fun and I want to get a first :smile:

. I'm excited about being in a city other than London (though I love London) and I've never lived away from my parents so I don't feel too different than any 'normal' student starting out, except I have a lot of work experience and I know my limit lol. I'm not too nervous I'm hopeful that I'll be living with at least two other people around the 20-25 age bracket and there were a lot of 19 year old on my access course that I genuinely got on with. Don't worry about it you seem like you're up for a laugh and wouldn't be condescending you'll fit in.

Reply 8

Klix88

17

Original post by Tom_91

So I'm 23 and classed as mature.

But am just 5 years older. I like to party have partied and enjoy fun and frivolity as much as the next.

But as we are ''mature'' yet not was just wondering the general consensus where do we fit.

Is anyone else worried feeling old or just not caring.

You 'fit' in your year and subject groups, like everyone else. Beyond that you fit with the friends you make and any societies/clubs that you join.

Uni isn't like school, where there's a clear demarcation between year groups and everybody know where everyone else 'belongs'. You'll find people of all ages in your year - I was 44 when I started. Being 23, you won't stick out as being older than most other students. They probably won't even notice or know that you're older unless you make a point of telling them. You won't be treated any differently and you'll be free to party as much or as little as you please - like everyone else.

None of the academic staff treated me any differently than an 18 year old school leaver. It was odd not being able to have an adult conversation with them until I reached the third year, but they just saw me as an undergraduate and not as a 'mature student' or any other kind of label dictated by my age. I had to prove myself as much as anyone else.

Don't worry about your age. It genuinely means nothing in a lecture or coming up to a coursework deadline, any more than it will in the bar or local clubs. Just because you hit 23 doesn't mean that you're expected to stay in knitting and get an early night with a mug of cocoa :smile:

Reply 9

lumos118

Original post by Tom_91

So I'm 23 and classed as mature.

But am just 5 years older. I like to party have partied and enjoy fun and frivolity as much as the next.

But as we are ''mature'' yet not was just wondering the general consensus where do we fit.

Is anyone else worried feeling old or just not caring.

I'm 23 and starting university in September and have definitely had a few worries about this. Worrying if i'm in some middle land between the 18/19 year olds but not really old enough to be a mature student. However i'm coming to the conclusion that it is me just over thinking everything, I've spoke to a few people of all ages starting my uni and age doesn't seem to be a thing at all. There is all ages at uni, if you join sports/socities and generally join in then I don't think anyones age will matter :smile:

Reply 10

Tom_91

OP

5

Thanks for the feedback guys.

It seems amongst some there is a worry and concern but one that seems to be unfounded. Being early 20's is the middle mark true but it doesn't mean a jot in the end :smile:

.

Reply 11

carm8833

Original post by Tom_91

So I'm 23 and classed as mature.

But am just 5 years older. I like to party have partied and enjoy fun and frivolity as much as the next.

But as we are ''mature'' yet not was just wondering the general consensus where do we fit.

Is anyone else worried feeling old or just not caring.

23 and starting in September at Leeds! Perfect age to be older and wiser but still look too much older than the kids! Haha

What uni's are everyone going to?

Reply 12

lumos118

Original post by carm8833

23 and starting in September at Leeds! Perfect age to be older and wiser but still look too much older than the kids! Haha

What uni's are everyone going to?

I'll be starting at Chester uni :smile:

Reply 13

carm8833

Original post by lumos118

I'll be starting at Chester uni :smile:

Good luck

What are you studying?

Reply 14

lumos118

Original post by carm8833

Good luck

What are you studying?

Thanks

I'll be studying accounting and finance, you?

Reply 15

carm8833

Contemporary and professional studies at Leeds. It's an interdisciplinary course they've made aimed at mature students who want to get a degree really. Got a feeling I'm going to be one of the youngest on my course!! Lol

Reply 16

krst02

3

Original post by Kelytha

I'm 24 in October and while I don't fancy clubbing 3x a week for the next 3 years I do want to enjoy the social side of uni as well as get a degree. I'm planning to join a few societies, and go out a couple of times a week clubbing/pubbing. (I do prefer a pub to a club) however, I will be working hard to get my degree. I'm only going to be 5 years older than most students, I don't really think it matters. We look young enough to pass off as 18/19 and to be honest, we're 23, not 73!

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completely agree. This is my second degree (I'm 24) so I feel a bit 'been there, done that' about freshers week, clubbing etc but still want to socialise. I didn't live in halls first time around however so it'll be a whole new experience...I can definitely pass for 18 though so will be able to blend in just fine :tongue:

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 17

Tom_91

OP

5

Same luckily no one ever believes I'm 23 it's usually 20 so not too bad, can blend right in :tongue:

.

Reply 18

Matt5147

21 here, got an email from my uni inviting me to a "mature students meet up" definitely felt a bit offended. My sister went at 21 as well and said she felt literally no different to the others and fit right in, so I'm not worried.

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