September/October Uni 09 freshers (mature)

I'm very eager to get going to be honest with you, its been a long time coming. I started my 'Foundation Year' in 2007 and completed that in June 2008 at Durham Uni, but had to take a year out before I could start my degree proper this past academic year. When I did the foundation year, the campus was quite near my home, so I opted to stay at home, however, my degree will be at Durham's main campus, so I will be moving away.

I'm mainly nervous about the academic side of things, having some confidence issues in my own ability and knowledge of my subject matter, even though I passed the foundation year with good marks, I am slightly worried I won't have as much knowledge as the students who have just completed thier A-Levels.

I'm looking forward to moving away, and am nervous about fitting it etc, but I really want this degree more than anything now, so I am really going to try hard and knuckle down, thats not to say I won't make an effort socially, but the academic side is more important to me, although I do plan on joining some societies, things I wouldn't normally go for too.

Its nice to known people are in the same boat, well, it isn't nice I know, but its reassuring to know I am not the only one. What I keep telling myself and people have told me, is that we have got onto the course, so we must know somethin, plus there is alot of support there to help.

I know for my own course, which is Geography, previous study in that subject matter isn't actually 100% needed, and people have told me that with a degree, while previous knowledge is useful, its not essential.

Yes im doing biology and have just done a years access course in it. I.m now trying to read my way through my biology book to try and keep myself in the know.

May I ask why you want to study Biology?

At the risk of sounding like a patronising old git the traditional students will be just as nervous. I was completely terrified at the thought of starting a degree, but the other students and the lecturers really made me feel at ease. Good luck to everyone starting this year

I could have written this myself LOL, I am very worried about being able to compete with students who've just left college - and my course wants AAA/AAB at A Level so they are going to be pretty bright - with studying/learning fresh in their minds. I did pretty dismally in my A Levels (various reasons) and last picked up a pen to write an exam in 2006! So my brain has had a very long holiday and it's got a hell of a course to contend with when it gets back into it!!

Yes i know what you mean. I'm a bit worried that other people on the course is going to know more than me

Good luck everyone! I've had the same sort of worries of not knowing as much as the teeny-boppers but I'm going to be studying English so have been reading as much 'classic' literature as I can. My biggest concern is that I am living off campus (my house is about 30 mins away from uni), do you think it'll be a struggle making friends? I have a large group of friends at the moment anyway so don't feel I need anymore 'close' friends but would be nice to get involved in some of the social side. I am planning on joining the uni gym and a couple of the SU clubs do you think this will help?

I am 38 and starting my foundation course on 5th october...I am worried about the fne line between gettig on with the other students and looking desperate to hang out with the 'yoof'.
I don't alwys look my age, but often feel it (mentally if not physically) Good luck everyone!!!

I've just finished a FY myself. It's certainly a trial by fire if you've been out of it for a while.

I think if you're an older guy then it's important to get involved more in a physical sense - sport, gym etc. It just gives off a lot of positive vibes. So like you said, that's getting involved without the "lets go out and get hammered" nonsense. By all means go out boozing, just don't get trashed. Be the guy who helps people get home, not the one being helped.

You're going to be judged, no doubt about that, but it can be in a positive or negative light. Don't try and be 18 again or you'll risk pity and disdain from lecturers and serious students.

You don't need the respect of losers, you need the respect of good students who are serious about doing well - the ones you'll want to group with and study with over the years to help you get decent marks.

Exude the kind of qualities people look up to and you'll be fine. Show 'em what being a man is all about without taking yourself too seriously.

I've just finished a FY myself. It's certainly a trial by fire if you've been out of it for a while.

I think if you're an older guy then it's important to get involved more in a physical sense - sport, gym etc. It just gives off a lot of positive vibes. So like you said, that's getting involved without the "lets go out and get hammered" nonsense. By all means go out boozing, just don't get trashed. Be the guy who helps people get home, not the one being helped.

You're going to be judged, no doubt about that, but it can be in a positive or negative light. Don't try and be 18 again or you'll risk pity and disdain from lecturers and serious students.

You don't need the respect of losers, you need the respect of good students who are serious about doing well - the ones you'll want to group with and study with over the years to help you get decent marks.

Exude the kind of qualities people look up to and you'll be fine. Show 'em what being a man is all about without taking yourself too seriously.

Yes this sounds like really good advice. Im a mature student although i'm only actually 25 and look really young. But i like your advice on not respecting losers and respecting the good students. Im definitely going to be a very hardworking student and would rather make friends with other students like this than try to be in the 'cool' gang with the students who are more interested in going out drinking all the time.

I know this advice wasn't directed at me but thanks anyway!

Congratz on getting your results btw :P