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'Mature' Student - tips please!

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,324 The Mix Honorary Guru
in Student Life & Education
Hi all,

I was made redundant at the end of 2008, and at the ripe old age of 23 I am thinking of becoming a Mature Student!

I have always wanted to do computer programming, but kinda driftedaway from it at the end of school. I can do Website coding, some Flash and I think now is the time to get back into the coding and study saddle.

I do have some concerns though:

I don't see being 23 as being that old - but I will probably be a good 5 or so years older than the majority of people starting on the course. Have any of you encountered Mature Students on your course - what where they like and is there anything I should avoid doing?

I'm also going to be living at home, which may hinder a lot of social events.

Also does anyone have any links for sites that have general advice for Mature Students? One at UCAS and HERO etc have advice on becoming a Mature Student - how to apply, but nothing much on the lifestyle!

Thanks:)

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,324 The Mix Honorary Guru
    There's a couple of mature students doing my course, and to be honest you probably wouldn't realise that they are older than most of us because they fit in really well with everyone. At uni, and I suppose at any further education instituion, age isn't really an issue as it was when you were at school and people tended to ony socialise with their own age group. Regarding living at home and social events a couple of my school friends went to the local University and lived at home and they still had a very active social life. In fact in many ways it was better than mine because living in halls I tended to only socialise with my flat in the first year whereas my two friends had a much wider friendship group. One of my best friends went to Uni when she was 38 and was bringing up two young children, and she had a brilliant time, so don't let the fact that you're a mature student put you off, if it's what you want to do then go for it!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,324 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I agree with with Betsy, age doesn't matter as much at university.
    A lot of people on my course had taken gap years or were returning to education after a few years break. Most of the time I didn't realise that most people were a bit older until I got to know them and they told me.

    Also, I know this sounds like a bit of a cliche, but I think it's good to go to uni with a bit of "life experience" behind you. I didn't really think about what I wanted to do at university too much and in some ways, partly because I went to uni straight from school, took it for granted. My mature student friends made the most of it and did very well- they'd had several years in the work environment and had been working out what it was that they really wanted to do before going to uni.

    As for the whole social side-talk to the people on your course and join a few societies-our uni had one for people who lived at home.

    Before I went to uni I went on www.newstudent.org and there's this site http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/

    Good luck!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,324 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Yup, and there will also be lots of people your age. My dad went to uni again at the age of 33 and he still met lots of friends his age!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,324 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Thanks for the replies guys, has helped put my overactive mind at rest.

    That link to The Student Room was very helpful, particularly liked their Mature Student section - http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Mature_Students
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