I have been a holiday rep and been working as a Receptionist for the past two years... I have decided to go back to uni next year, will I find it difficult being amongst young students?
2006-10-20 01:51:22 · 17 answers · asked by Lola* 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
i have done exactly that! i went to uni at 24, having been working since leaving school. i was really worried about being older than everyone else; what the younger students would think of me, what i would think of them; would i be able to keep up with the study; would i meet people like me there; what would i do when i graduated... i was full of concerns.
i moved across the country to go to uni, and lived in halls with 13 students who were all under 20. i was terrified that it wouldnt work out; i think that when you're that bit older you feel you have a lot more to lose if it doesnt work out.
but it was great. i got on with everyone really well. all my worries about the age difference soon went away. the younger students didnt care that i was older than them, in fact some of them really admired the fact that i was that bit older, wiser and more mature. i soon forgot that they were younger than me because we were all students, we were all trying to get a degree and have a good time, and this common ground made the age differences became irrelevant.
you might well meet people who you dont get on with and blame the age difference, but the thing to remember is that even if you were 18 yourself you probably wouldnt get on with everyone. dont worry, and if you dont make a bit deal of the age difference you'll find that no one else does. and as i think the other answers to your question show, there are lots of mature students out there, you will not be the only one.
you'll be fine. please dont let your concerns about being among younger students stand in your way. i graduated this summer, and i am so glad that i went, i would not have changed it for the world. it was a brilliant experience: i made a lot of friends, had a lot of fun, and have a good degree to show for it. i think i would have regretted not going a lot more than i ever feared how it would work out.
... and thinking of the years beyond university - i have found that potential employers are really impressed by the fact that i went back to university. it shows commitment, determination and a desire for self improvement.
go for it!
2006-10-21 03:46:03 · answer #1 · answered by Boo Boo B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went back to Uni at the age of 32 and having had a good career for ten years.
Also had the same thoughts about what 18-22 yr olds are like as not my social age group but its been fine , they are in the main decent people, the usual iffy ones but you get those at any age, it also makes you feel young again which is great, definately the best thing i ever did!!
Hope it all goes well for you
2006-10-20 02:03:16 · answer #2 · answered by kelvirhyme 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went back at 47 after 30 years. Didn't have an A level to my name - went on an access course for 1 year then to local uni; graduated when I was 50. Everyone, students, staff were OK. Go back- do it! Do it now!!
2006-10-20 02:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by PAUL H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No i started at uni at 21 and had no problems. One thing you will find though is that having been working in the real world you will find a lot of students very immature and a bit irritating... But because you have the maturity you will get a lot more out of your degree and make the most of your time spent studying i'm sure...!
2006-10-20 02:00:41 · answer #4 · answered by 0000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been in paid employment since 16, have two children and have recently returned full time to university..you will be surprised at how many mature students there are - in some courses they out number the age of the young 'uns!!
You will only find it as difficult as what your inhibitions allow...so the answer is no! I'm 28 and if I can do it BELIEVE ME YOU CAN TOO!
2006-10-20 23:12:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to do my psychology degree full time at the age of 27 years, and although I had extra responsibilities and couldn't join in with the social side of it quite as much as I'd like to, it was a good experience. There were others that were my age and of course we grouped together a bit although we had some fun and great discussions with the 21 year olds, who of course, had different perspectives. I found that my experience held me in good stead among very bright 19 to 21 year olds who were probably much more intelligent than I was at their age. So I would say definately go for it, its almost better when your a bit older due to experience and you'll have loads of fun. Good luck.
2006-10-20 02:04:34 · answer #6 · answered by sandie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. I found life in halls difficult. After a couple of false starts in the first year I found a house that usually rented out only to post-grads. I was really happy there and stayed on for the rest of my time at university.
Never really had a problem with my younger classmates though. It was a good time in my life. Enjoy!
2006-10-20 08:06:39 · answer #7 · answered by 13caesars 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i went back at the age of 32 to do a BA (hons) social work degree in Preston.... because my grade from school were crap i had to do a year zero which gave me 2 A levels.
yes its hard work and the money not good!! but it as been worth it i qualify this year and i loved it so much i am doing a MA!!
few tips
be prepared... have a folder for each module
there no daft question if you have thought it so has millions before you
budget (hard) but needed
get a good family/uni/work balance
start work early!!!
need any tips email me
enjoy.... its fun
tink6990@yahoo.com
2006-10-20 03:47:47 · answer #8 · answered by tink 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's never too late. I started my degree at the age of 28. I'm now 34 and back at Uni studying for a PGCE. There are people on my course who are in their 50's.
At my graduation ceremony there was a gentleman in his 90's who had graduated!
Go for it!
2006-10-20 03:14:48 · answer #9 · answered by lilac72 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dad started uni at teh age of 50! Ok so he only has to spend a week every term with his class becuase he studies through remote learning but at least he's studying something he really wants to learn and work in.
2006-10-20 02:10:32 · answer #10 · answered by Skippy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋