This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- Will I be looked down upon as a mature student?
- Anxious about uni as a mature student
- Bath uni Mature undergrad accomodation
- Oxford vs Cambridge Mature Student
- Worried about age
- Mature Student starting at The University of Manchester
- Can any mature students share their experiences?
- Scared to go uni because I feel stupid
- Too old for friends?
- Accom Help Pls!
- Mature Student Accommodation
- Very mature student...... Terrified!!
- Can I get into oxbrdige with pefect A-levels but no GCSEs?
- Mature Students - Bristol Sep 24
- 3 year nursing degree
- What are most 24 year olds doing
- University of York Mature Student Accomodatin i
- Rejected by KCL but accepted into cambridge?
- Mature student (21) uni accommodation
- September 2024 (BSc Psychology)
what is/was it like? 
It was liberating, engaging and empowering!
What made you decide to study later on in life?
I decided to study later on in life for a number of reasons; namely severe mental illness and navigating the minefield of the DWP benefits system and the student loan company.
How have you found being older than others on your course?
I didn't mind at all! I've made friends with some incredible people I would never normally have met. We have a shared interest in our subject and age is not a factor at all.
Have you encountered any challenges with family, your working life, finances or time pressure?
As a disabled student, my challenges were predominantly associated with managing my condition around a degree and working with the university to come up with solutions that worked for both of us. Financial pressures were obviously a concern as I am on benefits, so keeping to a very strict budget in order to manage my finances was a critical part of my degree.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about becoming a mature student?
Do it!!!!! I was a mature student ambassador for my university; studying your subject as a mature student allows you so many benefits: time management, passion for your subject, experience in your field.... there are few, if any, downsides to being a mature student once you get back into writing in an academic manner and adjusting to lectures and note-taking. It all comes with practice and you will pick it up quickly. If you're struggling, there are always people on hand to help so don't be afraid to ask just because you're a mature student. The eldest person in my cohort was well into her 70s!!!
It was liberating, engaging and empowering!
What made you decide to study later on in life?
I decided to study later on in life for a number of reasons; namely severe mental illness and navigating the minefield of the DWP benefits system and the student loan company.
How have you found being older than others on your course?
I didn't mind at all! I've made friends with some incredible people I would never normally have met. We have a shared interest in our subject and age is not a factor at all.
Have you encountered any challenges with family, your working life, finances or time pressure?
As a disabled student, my challenges were predominantly associated with managing my condition around a degree and working with the university to come up with solutions that worked for both of us. Financial pressures were obviously a concern as I am on benefits, so keeping to a very strict budget in order to manage my finances was a critical part of my degree.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about becoming a mature student?
Do it!!!!! I was a mature student ambassador for my university; studying your subject as a mature student allows you so many benefits: time management, passion for your subject, experience in your field.... there are few, if any, downsides to being a mature student once you get back into writing in an academic manner and adjusting to lectures and note-taking. It all comes with practice and you will pick it up quickly. If you're struggling, there are always people on hand to help so don't be afraid to ask just because you're a mature student. The eldest person in my cohort was well into her 70s!!!
(edited 7 years ago)
I'm classed as a mature, disabled student by my uni but I am only 22 so I don't think I can have much say on this! However, I will be working whilst I study.
I'm a mature student.
I was too wild as a teenager to knuckle down to it. Then had a career in finance for almost a decade. It was miserable - office politics aren't for me.
So off to Uni I went. I love it. I feel like I appreciate it more than a lot of the younger students because I know/have seen the alternative. A lot of them don't even bother to do the basic reading or show up to lectures.
I don't necessarily feel much older than anyone else. Most of the people I connect with are all goal orientated and want to do well so aren't wild hedonists. I sometimes worry that they're having too boring a time in their teens.
Balancing a family and a home with uni is tough. It is financially difficult. I wish I could afford a cleaner as after a day in labs/lectures and then doing your coursework at night- I can't be bothered cleaning the bathroom! I definitely miss having the money from my finance career.
Anyone considering it should do it- so long as you're willing to make sacrifices. It's done wonders for my self worth and I hope that I have a career that I love by the end of it.
I was too wild as a teenager to knuckle down to it. Then had a career in finance for almost a decade. It was miserable - office politics aren't for me.
So off to Uni I went. I love it. I feel like I appreciate it more than a lot of the younger students because I know/have seen the alternative. A lot of them don't even bother to do the basic reading or show up to lectures.
I don't necessarily feel much older than anyone else. Most of the people I connect with are all goal orientated and want to do well so aren't wild hedonists. I sometimes worry that they're having too boring a time in their teens.
Balancing a family and a home with uni is tough. It is financially difficult. I wish I could afford a cleaner as after a day in labs/lectures and then doing your coursework at night- I can't be bothered cleaning the bathroom! I definitely miss having the money from my finance career.
Anyone considering it should do it- so long as you're willing to make sacrifices. It's done wonders for my self worth and I hope that I have a career that I love by the end of it.
I did a Masters and a PhD as a mature student. It was liberating, not having all that fomo that inevitably governs much of undergrad life, as I was married with kids.
I'm a mature student *waves* but doing my degree through distance learning. I work full time and study one module at a time. I was able to use a professional qualification so I'm doing a Top up degree
The benefit of my course is that the majority on the course are mature students and most work full time. I decided to return to university (I dropped out due to health issues and looking back, the course was not right for me) as I found that many jobs that were being advertised were asking for a degree. Whilst I could argue that I had the equivalent through experience and professional qualifications, it hindered me to go for jobs and I also wanted to be able to say I have a BSc.
The hardest part is studying after a stressful day at work. I don't have children and I have no idea how those on my course can spend time as a single parent, study and work, I think if you really want something though, you find a way. The other challenge I have found is that little voice in your head that says "am I good enough?" I still doubt every assignment but having the support of my family really helps on those days.
For those thinking of doing a degree especially online, I would say have a clear structure of when you are going to study. Make a note of important deadlines and adjust your schedule for non moveable events. Finally, believe in yourself!
The benefit of my course is that the majority on the course are mature students and most work full time. I decided to return to university (I dropped out due to health issues and looking back, the course was not right for me) as I found that many jobs that were being advertised were asking for a degree. Whilst I could argue that I had the equivalent through experience and professional qualifications, it hindered me to go for jobs and I also wanted to be able to say I have a BSc.
The hardest part is studying after a stressful day at work. I don't have children and I have no idea how those on my course can spend time as a single parent, study and work, I think if you really want something though, you find a way. The other challenge I have found is that little voice in your head that says "am I good enough?" I still doubt every assignment but having the support of my family really helps on those days.
For those thinking of doing a degree especially online, I would say have a clear structure of when you are going to study. Make a note of important deadlines and adjust your schedule for non moveable events. Finally, believe in yourself!
I returned to uni in 2013, aged 30. It wasn't a career change, but unfinished business: I started the degree in 2004 but mental illness caused me to drop out on several occasions. I felt more at ease with myself when I returned: with less sense of peer pressure, I was more vocal in seminar discussions than I was previously, and more focused on my studies as well. I was the only mature student, a decade or so older than there rest, but I made friends easily and even socialised a l'i'l bit. I graduated three years ago but have kept in touch with some of my cohort.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by hannxm
I'm classed as a mature, disabled student by my uni but I am only 22 so I don't think I can have much say on this! However, I will be working whilst I study.
22 is mature student at your uni? Mine is 25 so 22 seems a bit young
Mature students... they exist?
Perhaps you should move this thread to the Mature Students forum? You'd likely get more replies there.
Original post by JoshDawg
22 is mature student at your uni? Mine is 25 so 22 seems a bit young
Open University. Over 21 is mature, as people usually go to traditional university when they're 18-21. If someone chooses to do a degree after that age, then they're a mature student.
I'd imagine it's like a fine cheddar.
I’m currently about to start this journey at the age of 36. After 20 years of work I am going back to become a teacher. I am starting my access course in 10 days which lasts a year and then uni for 3 years. I have 4 children and will also be working. I found it difficult to find the “real” mature student view. So I am blogging my who experience for others who are thinking of going back to school. I have a blog set up www.thematurestudent.co.uk for anyone who would like to follow my journey. I will be outlining everything that is good and bad. Also on Instagram the_mature_student
its going to be tough trying to do everything all at once but it will keep me focused.
its going to be tough trying to do everything all at once but it will keep me focused.
I’m currently about to start this journey at the age of 36. After 20 years of work I am going back to become a teacher. I am starting my access course in 10 days which lasts a year and then uni for 3 years. I have 4 children and will also be working. I found it difficult to find the “real” mature student view. So I am blogging my who experience for others who are thinking of going back to school. I have a blog set up www.thematurestudent.co.uk for anyone who would like to follow my journey. I will be outlining everything that is good and bad. Also on Instagram the_mature_student
its going to be tough trying to do everything all at once but it will keep me focused. Also just realised the post is a year old oops!
its going to be tough trying to do everything all at once but it will keep me focused. Also just realised the post is a year old oops!
Related discussions
- Will I be looked down upon as a mature student?
- Anxious about uni as a mature student
- Bath uni Mature undergrad accomodation
- Oxford vs Cambridge Mature Student
- Worried about age
- Mature Student starting at The University of Manchester
- Can any mature students share their experiences?
- Scared to go uni because I feel stupid
- Too old for friends?
- Accom Help Pls!
- Mature Student Accommodation
- Very mature student...... Terrified!!
- Can I get into oxbrdige with pefect A-levels but no GCSEs?
- Mature Students - Bristol Sep 24
- 3 year nursing degree
- What are most 24 year olds doing
- University of York Mature Student Accomodatin i
- Rejected by KCL but accepted into cambridge?
- Mature student (21) uni accommodation
- September 2024 (BSc Psychology)
Latest
Trending
