Mature students on fresher's week
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Join societies rather than going out on the piss with randomers. You'll fit in much better and things will be on your terms.
I'm 26 going for first time in october. I've decided just to 'go' with stuff. I'm not vehemently anti-social and do go to student nights out and house parties etc, but I do have a lower threshold of boredom of the whole thing I'll be honest.
I'm guessing freshers week is kind of a 'breaking the ice' thing that like all ice breaking exercises actually make breaking the ice so much more difficult as everyone is 'aware' that breaking the ice is what they're doing. But I'm just going to go along with it, within reason. I won't feel too out of place as I won't see myself being out of place. Others might see me being out of place but sod em.
I'm guessing freshers week is kind of a 'breaking the ice' thing that like all ice breaking exercises actually make breaking the ice so much more difficult as everyone is 'aware' that breaking the ice is what they're doing. But I'm just going to go along with it, within reason. I won't feel too out of place as I won't see myself being out of place. Others might see me being out of place but sod em.
I'm 26 and going to uni this September.
I'm quite concious of the age gap seeing as I've always associated with people older than me, so it's going to be weird on the other side of the fence.
I'm quite concerned of coming across as a misinterpreted Mrs Robinson type character, hanging around with a load of innocent, impressonable 18 year olds. Nothing says 'cougar' like a girl in her late twenties trying to guard her pint as a crowd of school leavers stumble about dressed as golfers, mumbling incoherently.
I think I might give Freshers a miss...
I'm quite concious of the age gap seeing as I've always associated with people older than me, so it's going to be weird on the other side of the fence.
I'm quite concerned of coming across as a misinterpreted Mrs Robinson type character, hanging around with a load of innocent, impressonable 18 year olds. Nothing says 'cougar' like a girl in her late twenties trying to guard her pint as a crowd of school leavers stumble about dressed as golfers, mumbling incoherently.
I think I might give Freshers a miss...
Of course you should go out!
NO ONE will think anything weird, everyone is just as keen to get out and make friends as you, and everyone will be just as nervous
.
Two of my good friends at uni are in their 30s, and they come out with us all the time, no one pays attention to age.
NO ONE will think anything weird, everyone is just as keen to get out and make friends as you, and everyone will be just as nervous
.Two of my good friends at uni are in their 30s, and they come out with us all the time, no one pays attention to age
.(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by jodiekay
I'm 26 and going to uni this September.
I'm quite concious of the age gap seeing as I've always associated with people older than me, so it's going to be weird on the other side of the fence.
I'm quite concerned of coming across as a misinterpreted Mrs Robinson type character, hanging around with a load of innocent, impressonable 18 year olds. Nothing says 'cougar' like a girl in her late twenties trying to guard her pint as a crowd of school leavers stumble about dressed as golfers, mumbling incoherently.
I think I might give Freshers a miss...
I'm quite concious of the age gap seeing as I've always associated with people older than me, so it's going to be weird on the other side of the fence.
I'm quite concerned of coming across as a misinterpreted Mrs Robinson type character, hanging around with a load of innocent, impressonable 18 year olds. Nothing says 'cougar' like a girl in her late twenties trying to guard her pint as a crowd of school leavers stumble about dressed as golfers, mumbling incoherently.
I think I might give Freshers a miss...
A cougar is 20+ years.
You're not even a Puma, which is 10 years above their age.
Original post by jodiekay
I'm 26 and going to uni this September.
I'm quite concious of the age gap seeing as I've always associated with people older than me, so it's going to be weird on the other side of the fence.
I'm quite concerned of coming across as a misinterpreted Mrs Robinson type character, hanging around with a load of innocent, impressonable 18 year olds. Nothing says 'cougar' like a girl in her late twenties trying to guard her pint as a crowd of school leavers stumble about dressed as golfers, mumbling incoherently.
I think I might give Freshers a miss...
I'm quite concious of the age gap seeing as I've always associated with people older than me, so it's going to be weird on the other side of the fence.
I'm quite concerned of coming across as a misinterpreted Mrs Robinson type character, hanging around with a load of innocent, impressonable 18 year olds. Nothing says 'cougar' like a girl in her late twenties trying to guard her pint as a crowd of school leavers stumble about dressed as golfers, mumbling incoherently.
I think I might give Freshers a miss...
That seems a bit extreme. From what I have read on here and when I went to my open day, there were a number of older people going to university in 2011. I think a lot of freshers is for people being away from home for the first time but there should be something going on that suits you. 26 isn't late twenties!! nor is it ever going to be seen as cougar, even to an 18 year old. Joining a society or two is good advice previously given on this thread but don't dismiss the chance to meet other people. Give it a go and if it isn't for you fair enough.
I'm going to go into it with absolutely no preconceptions whatsoever. Basically, i'll wing it and see how things go and where I end up
Heya,
I'm 26 and although I will not be a real fresher (I'm here on a scholarship from the Netherlands to complete my third year undergraduate) I do plan to take part in the freshers week of my uni.
I have the luck that a fellow student from my uni is here on the same scholarship, and she is about 19 or 20 years old. We get along fine and by visiting activities and pubs together I do think I stand a chance.
I've never been the 'clubbing type', so I'm going to do that neither in freshers week nor during the year. :P But I do love a nice beer in a nice pub, so yeah, I am looking for some people to join me every now and then.
Luckily I have had the privilege of studying 2 years as a mature student in the Netherlands and although I do not go out as much as the rest of them, when on campus or in classes there is a sincere connection and we get along pretty well! All you (and them) need to do is remember why you're all there: you're passionate about your subject, so just let that be the bond and the rest will follow. I know that if I would have made more effort to also join in activities outside of classes I would be clubbing or pubbing as much as they are doing, but well, my husband also wants some attention from time to time...
So, well, to keep it short: remember that you're all there because you have a passion for your subject and during freshers week, don't try TOO HARD to fit in with the 18 year olds by doing things that aren't you. Just hang out, visit the activities you want to visit and just don't be shy and all will end well
I'm 26 and although I will not be a real fresher (I'm here on a scholarship from the Netherlands to complete my third year undergraduate) I do plan to take part in the freshers week of my uni.
I have the luck that a fellow student from my uni is here on the same scholarship, and she is about 19 or 20 years old. We get along fine and by visiting activities and pubs together I do think I stand a chance.
I've never been the 'clubbing type', so I'm going to do that neither in freshers week nor during the year. :P But I do love a nice beer in a nice pub, so yeah, I am looking for some people to join me every now and then.
Luckily I have had the privilege of studying 2 years as a mature student in the Netherlands and although I do not go out as much as the rest of them, when on campus or in classes there is a sincere connection and we get along pretty well! All you (and them) need to do is remember why you're all there: you're passionate about your subject, so just let that be the bond and the rest will follow. I know that if I would have made more effort to also join in activities outside of classes I would be clubbing or pubbing as much as they are doing, but well, my husband also wants some attention from time to time...
So, well, to keep it short: remember that you're all there because you have a passion for your subject and during freshers week, don't try TOO HARD to fit in with the 18 year olds by doing things that aren't you. Just hang out, visit the activities you want to visit and just don't be shy and all will end well
I'm really hoping other mature students join in with the Fresher's Week festivities! I'm 21 and will hopefully be going to Leicester Uni in September but I've been living away from home in London for 3 years so have had more life experience than your average 18 year old. While I think I'll quickly forget about the age difference, I'd love to make a few friends my age & older. Most of my London friends are older than me so it will be a bit of a transition.
Saying this, I had my mad / crazy times in London so I doubt I'll go out quite as much as other people in my halls but I'll definitely still be up for a few decent nights on the tiles!
Saying this, I had my mad / crazy times in London so I doubt I'll go out quite as much as other people in my halls but I'll definitely still be up for a few decent nights on the tiles!
I graduated last year but will be taking an MA at a different uni from this autumn. Having been through the 'do I?, don't I?' social life conundrum as an undergrad, I hope my experience helps reassure anyone who's feeling nervy about interacting/socialising with 'the youngies'.
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
Original post by Ces_ca
I graduated last year but will be taking an MA at a different uni from this autumn. Having been through the 'do I?, don't I?' social life conundrum as an undergrad, I hope my experience helps reassure anyone who's feeling nervy about interacting/socialising with 'the youngies'.
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
Do these rules apply to a 22 year old?
Original post by Ces_ca
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting.
That bit honestly disheartened me. My face lit up from the first sentence, but then I died alittle when I read the bolded part.
Like offering candy to a baby, and just before the baby grasps the candy with both hands you snatch it away cackling.
Original post by Ces_ca
I graduated last year but will be taking an MA at a different uni from this autumn. Having been through the 'do I?, don't I?' social life conundrum as an undergrad, I hope my experience helps reassure anyone who's feeling nervy about interacting/socialising with 'the youngies'.
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
Great post
Original post by AidyD
That bit honestly disheartened me. My face lit up from the first sentence, but then I died alittle when I read the bolded part.
Like offering candy to a baby, and just before the baby grasps the candy with both hands you snatch it away cackling.
Like offering candy to a baby, and just before the baby grasps the candy with both hands you snatch it away cackling.
But must agree with AidyD that was brutal
Original post by Ces_ca
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
Not a current phenomenon at all. I had a 26 year old girlfriend when I was 18. 17 years later, and my current girlfriend is 25 lol (and, she would argue, still far more mentally mature than I am!)
There is a middle ground you know... i.e. go along to some events and have a few pints and a casual chat with some people. It isn't like if you go along you have to compromise your dignity and run around with your shirt off shouting 'LASH!' and 'TOTALLY BANTER!' etc.
Also, you are only 28, its not like you are a WWII vet or something - there really isn't that massive a cultural gap - apart from anything else, all the student places still play a lot of nineties music. I mean, the students union at the Uni I did my undergrad at still finished each night off with 'Free Nelson Mandela', a song which is from before your prime.
I'm 26 in a couple of weeks and currently living in Scotland where many of the new uni students are only 17 and I went to the club night at the union a few times and never felt like I stood out or anything, I would hate to think that in two short years I would suddenly feel out of my element.
I am sure you will find that there are a few age-wise contemporaries knocking about at these things anyway.
Also, you are only 28, its not like you are a WWII vet or something - there really isn't that massive a cultural gap - apart from anything else, all the student places still play a lot of nineties music. I mean, the students union at the Uni I did my undergrad at still finished each night off with 'Free Nelson Mandela', a song which is from before your prime.
I'm 26 in a couple of weeks and currently living in Scotland where many of the new uni students are only 17 and I went to the club night at the union a few times and never felt like I stood out or anything, I would hate to think that in two short years I would suddenly feel out of my element.
I am sure you will find that there are a few age-wise contemporaries knocking about at these things anyway.
Original post by Ces_ca
I graduated last year but will be taking an MA at a different uni from this autumn. Having been through the 'do I?, don't I?' social life conundrum as an undergrad, I hope my experience helps reassure anyone who's feeling nervy about interacting/socialising with 'the youngies'.
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
1) Don't reveal your age until people know you (especially if you're over 30). It amazed me, but anyone under 25 is incapable of determining the age of anyone over 25 other than they are 'over 25'. This only applies if you don't try to dress like an 18-year-old, or like their mum/dad - or your mum/dad. My peer group decided I was around 15 years younger than I am - and I didn't advise them of the grisly truth until when into my 2nd year - by which time it made no difference.
2) The youngies will take their cue from you. If you treat them with respect then they'll return the favour. Expect to learn as much from them as they learn from you.
3) You need to make the effort to get to to know the youngies. They will assume that you wish to keep your distance unless you approach them. It's easier to cross the age divide and build relationships before attempting to drink them under the table so use Freshers to get to know those in your halls / on the same course / taking the same modules / other 'oldies' before scuttling into the SU when it's heaving with staggering 18-year-olds.
4) Any Freshers event (or any other campus event) which is alcohol-sodden is best attempted with a fellow 'oldie' as you're less likely to feel like a total div (regardless of how many youngies are with you).
5) Expect the youngies to come to you for guidance on all things academic / uni-related, but don't offer any advice about anything to do with popular culture (they are experts).
6) If you have the chance to be a student rep.... do it! This is one way that your 'maturity' can really benefit your fellow students (and they appreciate it). It will also give you lots of chances to get to know people across your course/school/faculty/whatever and provides lots of opportunities to socialise.
7) Expect to be hit-on repeatedly by younger students (this applies regardless of their age - or your age). Not sure if it applies to both genders but it's a current phenomenum which will catch-out the unsuspecting. Whatever the temptation.... if the age diff is 5+ years....DON'T do it! Your street cred will be permanently destroyed.
8) Don't get totally ratted in large student gatherings. DO get totally ratted in small gatherings where you know them and they know you. Don't get ratted too often. NEVER throw up (seriously uncool) or strip (OMG!).
Have a great time.... I did!
Thanks, this really helps!
I'm 25 and starting my first year in september, i was really nervous about the whole thing, even considered not going, but now I just don't care. I just think if you go with the right mind set and just have a good time everything will be cool, age will only be an issue if you make it an issue. Also there are lots more older people going back to education because of the economy so hopefuly the average age will be up a little anyway.
And just for the record I am planning to party and drink on!!!
And just for the record I am planning to party and drink on!!!
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