Very mature student...... Terrified!!

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

Hi @Ti a

That's great news that you're going to uni!
I would try not to worry about not fitting in. Everyone at university is so different, and I have met so many people of different ages and backgrounds. My best advice is to take it all in your stride and start getting excited about starting! I understand you'll be nervous, but everyone is in the same boat, and this is a great achievement so try your best to enjoy these new experiences.

I hope this helps, and that you have a good start to university!
Emily
Student Ambassador at BCU

Reply 2

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

A different subject, but here’s a terrific thread from a mature student who was in a similar position.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7052714

Reply 3

Ti a

OP

4

Thanks both , very helpful

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

Hey @Ti a

It's a terrifying moment handing in your notice and really taking the plunge but it will be so worth it in the end!

I worked part time during my access to HE science course and in year 1 and 2 of my biomedical science degree. I got accepted for my NHS placement year in histopathology which I start this October and I'm absolutely bricking it about the prospect of leaving my job (handed in my notice 3 months early lol) but it was pretty liberating at the same time.

It was really challenging juggling both work and college/uni for the past 3 years and my placement is full time so I need to dedicate my time to it.

I came into this with no scientific background and a 15 year career in hospitality and customer service, but with a lot of hard work and determination I've achieved much more than I thought possible. I worried about keeping up academically with the younger students, many that came straight from A Levels. Also figuring out the many online 'hubs' and 'portals' and the millions of links to find everything took some getting used to but I'm a very proficient googler 😂

You will have such a depth of life experience, and you will almost certainly find other mature students on your course. For diagnostic radiography there will be many different ages of people on your course. Get chatting about other's experiences and you'll soon find a few friendly people. I've made friends with students in their 20's and 30's and I'm in a few group chats (mainly as a spectator) so if anyone is struggling with coursework or understanding lecture points we can all help each other.

See if your uni has a mature students society/club as a way to socialise with like-minded students studying different degrees as well.

Good luck in this fantastic new chapter!

Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Reply 5

Ti a

OP

4

Amazing replies Thanks all, glad to hear I'm not the only one struggling with the realisation that this could actually happen.

Update, today I handed my notice in, that's it! I've got 2 months left in my old life and onwards and upwards to the new me! equally liberating and exciting!

Reply 6

isilbell

8

Hi,
I’ll be nearly 38 when I start my speech and language therapy degree. I have already met a few other mature students on my course through applicant days etc. You won’t be alone being a mature student.
Try and enjoy this exciting time!

Reply 7

Celiamood

5

Got no advice but I'm in the same boat and I'm moving across the country so have opted for uni accomodation and I'm terrified I've being the old person in halls. But I don't have the brain space to go to uni, to a new city, and find a place to live.

Reply 8

Ti a

OP

4

Original post by Celiamood

Got no advice but I'm in the same boat and I'm moving across the country so have opted for uni accomodation and I'm terrified I've being the old person in halls. But I don't have the brain space to go to uni, to a new city, and find a place to live.

(Original post by Celiamood)
Got no advice but I'm in the same boat and I'm moving across the country so have opted for uni accomodation and I'm terrified I've being the old person in halls. But I don't have the brain space to go to uni, to a new city, and find a place to live.
Hey,
It's very scary,I know. We're struggling with it at ripe old ages(41), just imagine how the youngsters must be feeling? That something that I've been mulling over, yes, it's daunting for the older generation but we have the added advantage of having life experiences to help us adjust.
Halls is a tricky one, have you thought about going to a house share or something like that to try and get with a similar age range? I like an early night these days
Either way I'm sure you'll be fine, fate has a way of pointing us in the direction we need to
go. X

Reply 9

Manny2023

11

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

Great replies from the others. I just wanted to say congratulations to you on handing in your notice and starting this new journey!

Reply 10

rach0910

2

Hi
I’m also a “very mature” student I will be almost 48 when I start my speech and language degree in September. I was the oldest on my Access course this year by about a decade. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions atm; one minute I’m excited and the next terrified. It is such a huge change returning to full time study. But we got this!

Reply 11

BurstingBubbles

Life & Style Forum Helper

20

Original post by isilbell

Hi,
I’ll be nearly 38 when I start my speech and language therapy degree. I have already met a few other mature students on my course through applicant days etc. You won’t be alone being a mature student.
Try and enjoy this exciting time!

When I was on the SLT course (I graduated 6 years ago) we had students in their 40s and 50s on the course, so if your course has the same you'll seem young to them :lol:

Good luck with your studies! :biggrin:

Reply 12

BurstingBubbles

Life & Style Forum Helper

20

Original post by rach0910

Hi
I’m also a “very mature” student I will be almost 48 when I start my speech and language degree in September. I was the oldest on my Access course this year by about a decade. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions atm; one minute I’m excited and the next terrified. It is such a huge change returning to full time study. But we got this!

Just noticed your post too, we had people on the SLT course in their 40s and 50s when I was on the course :yep:

Good luck your studies :biggrin:

Reply 13

isilbell

8

Original post by BurstingBubbles

When I was on the SLT course (I graduated 6 years ago) we had students in their 40s and 50s on the course, so if your course has the same you'll seem young to them :lol:

Good luck with your studies! :biggrin:

Thank you! I know there are some other students around my age but obviously haven’t met the whole cohort yet. I’m so excited!

Reply 14

rach0910

2

Original post by BurstingBubbles

Just noticed your post too, we had people on the SLT course in their 40s and 50s when I was on the course :yep:

Good luck your studies :biggrin:

Thank you! That’s put my mind at ease. x

Reply 15

wannafreeze

I think you shouldn’t think about fitting in tbh. Unless of course you really want to embrace the university party and clubs culture, I’d just find a group of students who are serious about studies and get on with it. I don’t mean you should be boring, but just because if you are a mature student and leaving work for studies, it is a big commitment. Getting back into university routine will need some time. I had an IT degree and worked in the industry but went back to complete my law degree as a mature student. I know I just wanted to put my head down and get on with it as it’s a big commitment and a financial risk. I don’t mean don’t have fun but just understand that there will be awkward moments where students will be talking about what is going on in this day and age and you feel as if they are talking a different language. Don’t feel discouraged and don’t forget the purpose of your sacrifice! Best of luck!

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

(edited 9 months ago)

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

Hiya @Ti a,

I am also a mature student that applied to uni following an access course. Having a complete career change is terrifying! I felt exactly the same but felt the same as you, that I just had to go for it or I never would.

I think it’s completely natural to feel this way. It’s a massive transition away from a career that you’ve spent years building. However, I’m now a 2nd yeah ODP student and I haven’t looked back. There are challenges being a mature student but I do not regret my decision one bit. The time has gone so quickly and I’m so close to the end now.

I was also so worried that my class would be only school leavers and I’d struggle to find my place. This is the complete opposite of what happened. My class is mixed with all kinds of people of different ages. Half of which are mature students!

In my experience, a lot of people working in healthcare were mature students who had a big career change. Don’t forget that you’ll be able to meet so many different people at uni and on your placements who you can connect with.

My advice, try not to focus on the bad experiences that you’ve heard from others. You’re making this change for you and it’ll be the best thing you’ll ever do!

Good luck with everything! I hope this helps to ease your worries.

Sophie (ARU) :smile:

Reply 17

A78_

6

Original post by Ti a

Hi,
I need help pls, I've spent all year working full time and completing my access course and now I've finished and about to hand my notice in at a job I've had for nearly 20 years and I'm absolutely terrified....

I'm going to study diagnostic radiography, I know I need to do this change and start a new part of my life but really worried I won't fit in or will stand out like a sore thumb in the uni/on placement in West Yorkshire.

I'm sure there have been people in this situation before just after some honesty about how others found it before I completely lose my nerve!

Thanks in advance!

This sounds amazingly exciting and I wish you the best experience.

I returned to education after 25 years in '19, albeit as a Distance Learner, but it's been a very good experience overall.
Certainly demanding, and not having anything in common with most students, but I landed on the fact that I was there for myself and everyone I come across is a learning opportunity.

Have a great time. It will be over faster than you can imagine. :smile:

Reply 18

A78_

6

Original post by wannafreeze

I think you shouldn’t think about fitting in tbh. Unless of course you really want to embrace the university party and clubs culture, I’d just find a group of students who are serious about studies and get on with it. I don’t mean you should be boring, but just because if you are a mature student and leaving work for studies, it is a big commitment. Getting back into university routine will need some time. I had an IT degree and worked in the industry but went back to complete my law degree as a mature student. I know I just wanted to put my head down and get on with it as it’s a big commitment and a financial risk. I don’t mean don’t have fun but just understand that there will be awkward moments where students will be talking about what is going on in this day and age and you feel as if they are talking a different language. Don’t feel discouraged and don’t forget the purpose of your sacrifice! Best of luck!

💯 .. super advice to remind that with maturity comes mature decision making

Reply 19

Chezer1483

7

Original post by rach0910

Hi
I’m also a “very mature” student I will be almost 48 when I start my speech and language degree in September. I was the oldest on my Access course this year by about a decade. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions atm; one minute I’m excited and the next terrified. It is such a huge change returning to full time study. But we got this!

Hahah this is exactly how I’m feeling and I’ve just turnt 40!

Very mature student...... Terrified!!

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