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Is 26 years old too late to go to University? Will I still enjoy life?

I don't know what I want to do with my life at the moment. I am 24 years old, but if I was to study for a foundation course or go onto an access course, I will be around 26 by the time I get onto a degree course. Is this too old for university?

Also, would something like English, Graphic Design or Journalism be a good degree to get? I am more of a creative person, so I was thinking of these degrees.

What are your thoughts?

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Original post by WhiteWalker
I don't know what I want to do with my life at the moment. I am 24 years old, but if I was to study for a foundation course or go onto an access course, I will be around 26 by the time I get onto a degree course. Is this too old for university?

Also, would something like English, Graphic Design or Journalism be a good degree to get? I am more of a creative person, so I was thinking of these degrees.

What are your thoughts?



It's never too old! if it is something you want to do then do it :smile: and study a degree that you think you will enjoy...otherwise there is no point. Don't worry about age!...would you rather take the opportunity? or later in life possibly regret not doing it? do what makes you happy :smile:
Reply 2
Original post by WhiteWalker

Also, would something like English, Graphic Design or Journalism be a good degree to get? I am more of a creative person, so I was thinking of these degrees.

What are your thoughts?


Graphic Design would be a good course to apply to, I've applied to it. + You're never too old.
Reply 3
Too old? Not at all! I am 42 and going to university for an undergraduate course this September.
Original post by WhiteWalker
I don't know what I want to do with my life at the moment. I am 24 years old, but if I was to study for a foundation course or go onto an access course, I will be around 26 by the time I get onto a degree course. Is this too old for university?

Also, would something like English, Graphic Design or Journalism be a good degree to get? I am more of a creative person, so I was thinking of these degrees.

What are your thoughts?


My mum was about 34 when she did her degree... and she seemed happy with it. For her it was actually better, she had her kids first, saw them off to school, got experience, did things she wanted to do and then got her degree in Theology. She now also has a Masters in it... so its never too late. When she did her degree she became good friends with two other women who were doing Theology who were older than she was, and they are both very happy now, one is already retired. Seriously 26 is absolutely fine! :smile:
Edit: not 100% sure what I said to get a negative rating but ah well :smile:
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by littleguy
Too old? Not at all! I am 42 and going to university for an undergraduate course this September.


Could I ask which Uni you are going to this Sep ? (I'm also a mature student with the age of 21.)


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Reply 6
hi,i'm also a mature student ,still finding a suitable college that offer the graphic design course.any advice.i'm quite nearly 30 .haha i think is never too late right
Original post by Bosco Teng
hi,i'm also a mature student ,still finding a suitable college that offer the graphic design course.any advice.i'm quite nearly 30 .haha i think is never too late right


Have you looked at Southampton or Bristol since I heard that they are good in Computer stuff or related ? ^_^


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Reply 8
Lady on my access course is 65 :wink: age ain't nothing but a number !!


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Reply 9
One of my closest friends at uni is 29, there's a guy on my course who's 40, and another who's 28. No one really notices to be honest! you'll fit right in :smile:
Reply 10
I was 44 when I started my degree. I went on to do a Masters and I'm now starting a PhD. I love it! Took about a year for my younger colleagues to start treating me as "part of the furniture", but if you stay open and friendly, you'll make contact with them eventually. Might even happen sooner for other people :smile:

As far as enjoying uni life goes, I got involved with the things that interested me. Obviously I wasn't about to go clubbing with the gang (I'd have been asleep before they were ready to go out!) but field trips, pub quizzes and lunch in the student bar/cafe were always good for a natter and some socialising.

If you go for journalism, look for the degrees which include professional accreditation as those will be directly relevant to getting employment later on.
Never to late, to go to uni. Am 24 but will almost be 25 when I start uni. But am going to do something I enjoy with intention of becoming a teacher in that subject. So am study sport and physical education degree.


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I'm 29 and I've applied for paramedic science but there are mature students in the late 40s. I know that doubting feeling as I've had it many a time but there are more mature students than you think


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Reply 13
You'll be fine! I started my access course at 24 before starting my degree in psychology at 26; it's one of the best decisions I ever made! 24 is about average for an access course; there were some older & some younger. There are plenty of mature students on my course too (I'm at UEA), and in general here. Even that doesn't matter though, as the 'normal' students are all lovely & friendly though.

Would you be living on campus?
No, of course it's not too old! GO FOR IT!

Original post by WhiteWalker
I don't know what I want to do with my life at the moment. I am 24 years old, but if I was to study for a foundation course or go onto an access course, I will be around 26 by the time I get onto a degree course. Is this too old for university?

Also, would something like English, Graphic Design or Journalism be a good degree to get? I am more of a creative person, so I was thinking of these degrees.

What are your thoughts?



stil enjoy life?

Im 31 and i still enjoy life - of course you cn enjoy it
Reply 16
Original post by silverbolt
stil enjoy life?

Im 31 and i still enjoy life - of course you cn enjoy it


haha, no what I meant was enjoy the student life. I am not a bit drinker, but I don't mind going out and having a good time.

Are you a mature student at Uni or have you finished now?
How did you find the student life?

Luckily, I have a younger face, so I don't look older than I am.
Reply 17
Original post by ZeedyA
You'll be fine! I started my access course at 24 before starting my degree in psychology at 26; it's one of the best decisions I ever made! 24 is about average for an access course; there were some older & some younger. There are plenty of mature students on my course too (I'm at UEA), and in general here. Even that doesn't matter though, as the 'normal' students are all lovely & friendly though.

Would you be living on campus?


Umm, well yeah, I would have to. I couldn't afford to have my own place as well.

Is there special housing for mature students or can you go into student accommodation?
Which would you say is better?
Reply 18
Original post by Klix88
I was 44 when I started my degree. I went on to do a Masters and I'm now starting a PhD. I love it! Took about a year for my younger colleagues to start treating me as "part of the furniture", but if you stay open and friendly, you'll make contact with them eventually. Might even happen sooner for other people :smile:

As far as enjoying uni life goes, I got involved with the things that interested me. Obviously I wasn't about to go clubbing with the gang (I'd have been asleep before they were ready to go out!) but field trips, pub quizzes and lunch in the student bar/cafe were always good for a natter and some socialising.

If you go for journalism, look for the degrees which include professional accreditation as those will be directly relevant to getting employment later on.


Oh, awesome. What was your degree in?

Also, how did you afford to manage Uni and living expenses? Did you live in Uni accommodation or did you have your own place?

I would like to have my place while at Uni, but there's no way I could afford it, I don't think.
I am 25 but will be just 26 when I start uni this year and I have a long way to go before my career - 3 years at uni then 1 year at law school then a 2 year training contract so by the time I'm qualified I will be almost 33 so u are definetly not too old to go! I also did the access course and will be finishing July and it was best decision I made its hard work with several assignments at same time but it has been great fun and I feel really prepared for uni!

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