thinking about going to college, over forty will i fit in?

Answer 1

Hi Beezer,

Don't worry about fitting in, you are there to learn. My hubby went back to uni at 40 and made friends there without any problem but he held the view that he had a certain responsibility to his colleagues and other students because of his age.

They will probably approach you for advice about something or other and rely on your life experience to give an informed answer, if my hubby couldn't give an answer he would guide them to someone who could help.

Just be yourself, let people know you are approachable but don't be too forward. You will be fine. You will find you get on well with the lecturers. They like mature students because they have a calming influence on the younger students.

Good luck

Answer 2

Hi, I am 28 and doing my third year of a degree in occupational therapy. My course has a lovely mixture of age groups and plenty of people over 40 who get on great with all other students.

"neniaf" who replied above has got it spot on about how to fit in. There are a couple of over 40s on my course who think they know everything over and above the 18 year olds (and me too!) and they give this disapproviing "you've got a lot to learn" look in discussions, and it really puts people's back up.

You could think about a course a course which there might be a few other people similar age (even one or two), as it is nice to have that friendship to get through the tough times, and although I'm sure you'd have support of any age in class its nice to have a person outside you can phone for essay help etc.

Going to uni is the best thing I every did and you should go for it if you are unhappy with what you are doing now. It will only take a couple of years and could change your life. Good luck.

Answer 3

I would think that regardless of where you go, no one would mistake you for an eighteen year-old, but that doesn't mean that you can't have a great experience in college, and you owe it to yourself to get that education you missed out on earlier. Be yourself, and don't try to act like the kid you are not, but also don't act too parental toward the younger students. Remember that they are struggling to grow up and may resent a substitute parent. Be sensitive to the other students; don't try to monopolize the classroom discussion because you have more in common with the professor than they do (I've seen some older students do this, and the other students have really resented it). Some schools have far more "nontraditional students" than do others (a lot of state universities have large numbers of them), and you might ask about this when you consider colleges, if you are afraid of being isolated. Some have special programs for nontraditional students, to help them with the transition. Good luck!

Answer 4

You might want to pick a college or university designed for adult learners, but stay away from the bachelor in a year's programs (they are not highly respected out in the job market).

I attend Davenport University, their website is http://www.davenport.edu , and I'm 44 and in almost every class I have had other students my age.

I find it's not difficult to fit in and your strength is that you have been through the real work world and will have some insights to share. You probably won't be going to the dorms and that's okay. Get to know the older students as they are always glad to see another student who is not young enough to be their kids (I graduated from high school over 25 years ago).

ALso, older students tend to get on better with the faculty because you are typically more focused on learning the subject rather than simply chocking off another class required for your degree.

I'd recommend if you attend classes to take the time to get to know the professors, they are almost always very helpful, especially if they know you are trying to make a better life for you and your family.

I would recommend going for the degree!

Answer 5

People over 30+ are the fastest growing demographic of college goers. I think you will fit in fine. You might not gel with the 18 year old crew, but you'll relate better to the professors and you'll find other students like yourself. You really don't need to do the younger crowd social scene to be able to do a degree.

Answer 6

I am 37 and I seem to fit in. There are at the community college, people of all ages and stages in life. It would seem that the evening classes have the more seasoned student. I love school and I hope you will too. Good luck to you!!!

Answer 7

I did a three year course in Computer Studies when I was 48 and completely changed my career at 50. I didn't have a problem with my fellow students and they didn't have a problem with me. It all comes down to keeping the mind young!

I learned, in those three years, that fitting in with a team is about being flexible and that I had a lot to give to the team as well as to learn by it.

Answer 8

Depends where you are going, I guess, and also what you want to study. I am at college in Ipswich and there are many mature students studying a variety of courses. Look up the website for the college you want to go to and click on "mature students" and it sometimes tells you how many older students there are.

Answer 9

If you are worried about fitting in at a college, have you thought about distance learning with the National Extension College (NEC)
try this website for more info
http://www.nec.ac.uk/info/

Answer 10

When I was in university, we had people from just out of high school all the way through their 50's in some classes. I actually overheard one lady while she was waiting for the bus--she was doing her law degree. She was in her 60's!

Just be confident and don't worry about fitting in. If most people are in their 20's and you're trying to 'fit in', it means you'll act like somebody in their 20's... You don't want that.